24 May, 2017
BOSTON – Corrections professionals from across the Commonwealth gathered at the State House on
Tuesday, May 23 to recognize outstanding acts of service during the 20th Annual Correctional Employee
of the Year Awards Ceremony.
In a ceremony presided over by Governor Charlie Baker, officers from six agencies were honored,
including Middlesex Sheriff’s Officer Peter Gavin, who was given the state’s second highest award.
Officer Gavin was presented with the Medal of Valor for his efforts on January 3, 2016 when, having just
completed his shift at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction in Billerica, he encountered several
colleagues who had stopped just up the street. Investigating the situation, Officer Gavin located a young
woman who had left her car in the road and made her way to the outside of the highway overpass.
Utilizing his training and communication skills, Officer Gavin engaged the young woman in conversation
and eventually helped talk her into coming back off the edge.
“Officer Gavin’s actions that day were remarkable,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “He is truly
deserving of this outstanding recognition.”
