MONROE — Behind the bars, correctional officer John Fitzsimmons works hard to keep the Monroe prison complex safe. And if needed, he is willing to use his skills to catch a bad guy outside the prison complex.
Fitzsimmons received an award of valor on May 15 from the state Department of Corrections for helping a police officer subdue a suspect near Woodinville. The award is considered one of the most prestigious to be presented by the department, which employes about 8,000 people.
“We are proud of him. It’s always nice to see our staff come to the aid of other law enforcement agencies,” said Dan Pacholke, interim superintendent at the Monroe prison complex, the state largest prison with about 2,500 inmates.
Fitzsimmons’ accomplishment will also be acknowledged at a separate award ceremony in Monroe today, Pacholke said.
Fitzsimmons couldn’t be reached for comment.
The award recognizes the brave action that Fitzsimmons took a year and half ago.
On Sept. 26, 2006, he was driving home to Woodinville after finishing his shift in Monroe. While Fitzsimmons waited at a traffic light along Highway 9 near Woodinville, he saw a man running away from a Clyde Hill police officer. The officer had been pursuing the man’s vehicle before the suspect decided to ditch his car and run.
Fitzsimmons, who was still in uniform, saw the suspect resist and assault the officer. The officer used a Taser, but the suspect wouldn’t stop. Fitzsimmons pitched in and controlled the suspect’s legs and arms. He continued to control the suspect until paramedics arrived.
“To begin with, I was glad he was there,” Pacholke said. “I’m glad we have staff who are willing to step up.”
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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