May 27, 2008 — Two correctional sergeants and three correctional officers from High Desert State Prison in Susanville were honored by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in a ceremony on the West Steps of the State Capitol on Friday, May 16. The five officers were among nearly 100 CDCR employees recognized at the ceremony by CDCR Secretary James Tilton.

The Gold Star Medals, CDCR’s second highest commendation, were presented to Correctional Sergeants Aaron Audette and Todd Posch and Correctional Officers Douglas Brooks, William Denton and Tina Lucas.

According to a press release from HDSP, the five employees earned the award for the their actions in a September 2007 incident.

The incident began when an inmate violently attacked a correctional officer and Posch. Both were injured in the attack and were unable to control the inmate.

Audette stepped in and struck the inmate numerous times but could not stop the inmate’s attack. The inmate then turned on Audette, striking him several times in the face and on the head during the violent struggle.

Brooks, Denton and Lucas joined the fray and finally subdued and restrained the inmate.