He found an inmate trying to hang himself.
A Frederick County correctional officer is getting a lot of praise for his efforts in preventing a suicide at the Adult Detention Center.
Authorities say Correctional Officer First Class Michael Hahn was doing a routine security check in Blocks "L" and "P" around 3:30 AM Tuesday when he saw an inmate in the shower. The water was not on, and the shower curtain was drawn. Officer Hahn investigated and found a man attempting to hang himself with a bed sheet fashioned like a noose. He removed the sheet. The inmate was checked out by medical personnel, who found no injuries. The inmate was placed on a suicide watch.
"The fact that Officer Hahn was very alert while conducting what are very routine security rounds and cell checks, resulting in his reacting quickly to his instincts, and very like prevented the in-custody death of an inmate," says Sheriff Chuck Jenkins in a statement. "CFC Hahn is to be commended for being very diligent and observant in the performance of what are very often mundane duties in a difficult environment. Incidents like this one should make the public aware of situations that correctional officers deal with inside of the detention center."
"His response in thwarting this suicide attempt potentially saved this inmate's life," says Lt. Col. Vic Delauter with the County Detention Center.
The Sheriff's Office says the inmate is a 25-year-old man who is currently being held for a violation of probation. His identity will not be released.
