News

Jailer who saved inmate, tackled shoplifter is honored

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Major Robert Slater, Vice President of the NCJAA, Henderson County Detention Officer Joey Garren and Henderson County Sheriff Charles McDonald.

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 2, 2017

Detention officer Joey Garren, who helped save a choking an inmate back in June and tackled a belligerent shoplifter earlier in the year, has been named Detention Officer of the Year Award by the North Carolina Jail Administrators Association.

The honor recognizes a detention officer who has made outstanding contributions to his or her Sheriff’s Office in the performance of their duties.

Two events led to Detention Officer Garren being nominated by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; one incident occurring within the confines of the jail, the other occurring while he was off duty and out in the community.

On Friday, June 9, Detention Officers Joey Garren and Stephen Darnell were passing out meal trays in special housing. They noticed an inmate had begun to bang on his cell door. The officers responded swiftly, realized the inmate was in distress and called for the door to be unsecured. As soon as the door was open, Garren immediately turned the inmate around and began the Heimlich maneuver. After several thrusts, a piece of food became dislodged and the inmate began breathing normally again.

Earlier in the year, while off-duty and shopping at a home improvement store, Garren came across a crime in progress. A shoplifter became agitated when he was confronted by employees and began to swing a metal fence post at them. Joey Garren wrestled the man to the ground and detained him until Hendersonville police officers arrived on scene. The man was arrested and charged with felony armed robbery.

Nominees were submitted from across the state who demonstrated initiative in the performance of their duty or for specific meritorious service which resulted in the saving of a life or other significant act. The NCJAA Awards Committee selected Detention Officer Garren to be recognized at a banquet during the NCJAA annual conference in Greensboro.

“He demonstrates actions that are quick, selfless and with great regard for the safety of our inmates," Sheriff Charles McDonald said of Garren. "We are proud of Joey’s commitment exhibited both on and off duty and we’re grateful to the NCJAA for recognizing the remarkable work of one of Henderson County’s finest.”