News: Press Releases

American Correctional Association (ACA) Medal of Valor

RICHMOND – Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Correctional Officer Michael J. Llamas received the American Correctional Association (ACA) Medal of Valor and is also one of 27 recipients of the Virginia Public Safety Foundations 1999 Commonwealth Valor Awards.
"Michael Llamas’ bravery and personal sacrifice is exemplary," said DOC Director Ron Angelone. "Officer Llamas’ selfless act is indicative of the devotion shared by all Correctional Officers to duty, family, and the citizens of Virginia. Correctional Officer Michael Llamas represents the best the Commonwealth has to offer."

On January 19, 1999, Officer Llamas, a DOC employee of 4 years, was on his way to work at Sussex I State Prison in Waverly, when he passed a 1990 Toyota Corolla upside down in a pond next to Route 460. After stopping to investigate, Llamas heard noises from inside the car and jumped into the water despite the 15 degree temperatures that day. Inside he saw Angela Tookes and her 14-month-old son trapped inside the car which was quickly filling with water. After repeated attempts, the door finally opened and Llamas was able to help Mrs. Tookes and her son to safety.

In national recognition of his actions, ACA bestowed the Medal of Valor on Officer Llamas at the Opening Session of the ACA Winter Conference in Phoenix, Arizona on January 10, 2000. ACA is the premiere professional organization representing over 20,000 correctional professionals in the United States and Canada.

Locally, Virginia Lt. Governor John Hager presented 27 Commonwealth Valor Awards from the Virginia Public Safety Foundation to state public safety officers on February 16, 2000. The Commonwealth Valor Award Program was created in 1987 by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.