BOSTON — Sgt. James Ridley, of Lynn, who has spent more than 19 years working at Middleton Jail for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, was recognized as correctional supervisor of the year at the Statehouse Tuesday morning.
Ridley was recognized for numerous acts of heroism and service this year, including administering life-saving Naloxone spray to save someone from an overdose and breaking up a fight between two individuals armed with homemade weapons.
Law-enforcement officials — including the Commonwealth’s 14 county sheriffs — crowded the Statehouse’s Great Hall of Flags for the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association’s inaugural awards ceremony.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Gov. Maura Healey, applauded law-enforcement officials for their day-to-day service and bravery, mentioning their role in tackling the opioid crisis directly.
“You guys were in front of it, you were seeing it happen. You are also the ones out there looking to intervene, looking to engage in the kind of prevention and treatment services that we now support through programming,” Healey said.
Before Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger presented Ridley with his medal, Sheriffs Association President Nick Cocchi played a video presentation of Ridley’s achievements.
“These are just a few examples of Sgt. Ridley really jumping into action to prevent death and serious injury, as he frequently does with quick thinking and excellent communication as well as de-escalation skills,” Coppinger said. “He is often a resource for correctional officers who have developed trust in him not just because of his job performance during critical moments, but because of his commitment to integrity.”
Ridley thanked his wife, Jennifer, and children James Jr. and Cayden for their support throughout his career, as well as his law-enforcement partners Superintendent Aaron Eastman, Capt. Rick Ferrari, Lt. Jamie Forcino, Sgt. Louis Potvin, and officer Eric Hefner. Remarking that his staff officers ultimately strengthened his team, he thanked officers Michael Perroni, Mathew Goodwin, Justina Cositore, and Nick Spinale.
“They’re the ones that really do the nitty-gritty hard work, and they’re the ones that make us strong. I take this more as a group award for my unit,” Ridley said. “I’m able to communicate with my staff and with the inmates. At the end of the day, we’re not here just punishing them — we’re their care, custody, and control, all three are important.”
