Washington County honors corrections officers for life-saving actions in jail incident

The Washington County Public Safety Committee convened on March 27, 2025, with three members present and a meeting properly posted in accordance with regulations. The session commenced with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The first agenda item involved a review of the previous meeting held on February 18, which concluded without any noted irregularities. The committee then moved on to a significant acknowledgment from the sheriff's office regarding the actions of two corrections officers, Thomas Wilkin and Matthias, who were commended for their heroic response to a life-threatening incident in the county jail.

Sheriff's office representative Thomas Zawiki detailed an incident that occurred on August 11, 2024, where officers responded to a suicide attempt by an inmate. The officers found the individual hanging by a bed sheet and, despite the challenging circumstances, managed to hold the subject up until emergency services arrived. Their quick actions were credited with saving the inmate's life, and the committee recognized their composure and courage in a critical situation.

Following this acknowledgment, the meeting briefly touched on the importance of jail operations, highlighting the high liability associated with such facilities. Zawiki emphasized the often unseen challenges faced by corrections staff and the need for continued support and recognition of their efforts.

The meeting concluded with a mention of the upcoming 2025 education advisory, although details were not extensively discussed. Overall, the session underscored the vital role of public safety personnel in Washington County and the importance of their contributions to community safety.