TBE Security Officers Awarded Individual Achievement Commendation Citations

For exhibiting exemplary skill and resourcefulness during a critical incident situation, Security Officer Individual Achievement Citations were awarded to Security Sergeant Cyrus Smith and Security Officer Justin Spears.  TBE Facility Security Officer Ed Breland presented the awards.

The commendations read, in part, “During the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, these two officers calmly and collectively dealt with a major power outage in Building 1, “A” wing, and made sure that burnt electrical wires in a smoked-filled electrical room didn’t turn into a fire.

“Sgt. Smith and Officer Spears displayed the highest professional behavior after discovering the power outage.  They accessed very quickly that only “A” wing was affected and discovered the cause.  They contacted their superiors and the TBE Maintenance Chief and then secured the card readers in A-wing. To ensure no further damage or risk, the Officers stood a fire watch until TBE Maintenance and a high-voltage contractor arrived on the scene. 

“The Officers also secured all exit doors, kept Security Management abreast of the situation, and briefed the incoming Security shift personnel on the situation.  TBE Security Officers kept the building secure for three days, working without power, until TBE Maintenance and their contractors restored electricity.”

Being able to respond during an emergency is second nature to both of these security officers.  Spears is a Captain with the Southwest Marshall County Fire and Emergency Rescue Unit and a former police officer.  Smith is a retired Army First Sergeant with the Military Police and is trained in incident command.

Breland noted, “Having the knowledge and ability to respond to an emergency in this manner is what differentiates a professional security officer from a guard or night watchman. These actions are a model for others to follow.”