HOFFMAN — An officer at Richmond Correctional Institution was one of several “exceptional employees” from across the state recently recognized by the N.C. Department of Adult Correction.
Michael George was named Correctional Officer of the Year for “exceptional service, dedication, and selfless heroism.”
According to an award summary, George was transporting two minimum custody offenders to Scotland Correctional Institution on July 29 when he saw an overturned vehicle emitting smoke.
“Acting with extraordinary courage and quick thinking, he helped two women safely exit the vehicle, preventing further injury, and stayed on scene alongside the offenders until emergency personnel arrived,” the summary reads.
“This heroic act exemplifies going above and beyond the call of duty and reflects the highest ideals of public service. Beyond this incident, Michael has demonstrated consistent professionalism throughout his 17-year career, including his role on the special projects team in 2024, where he led operational improvements, facility beautification efforts, and various initiatives to enhance safety and staff morale.”
The honorable mention in that category went James Phillips, an officer at Mountain View Correctional in Mitchell County.
More than 250 DAC employees were nominated for awards in the following categories: Rising Star; Workplace Improvement; Protection and Security; Beacon of Hope; Above and Beyond; Community Engagement; Bravery in Service; Team Impact; Excellence in Leadership; and Probation and Parole Officer of the Year.
Two employees of Anson Correctional Institution were also honored: Capt. Darrick Philemon for Protection and Security; and Programs Supervisor Tiesta Moore for Beacon of Hope.
The awards ceremony was held Nov. 18 at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Recipients were those who “made an extraordinary impact between Jan. 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.”
“It is a proud day for me and our organization to recognize the best and brightest employees,” said NCDAC Secretary Leslie Cooley Dismukes. “These individuals may have stood out this past year, but all of our employees have worked under difficult circumstances to keep our state safe.”
