(Las Vegas, NV) - An Indiana State Prison correctional officer has received national recognition for his heroism.

 

Lt. Dennis Koen was presented with the Medal of Valor Award by Corrections U.S.A.

 

On February 21 of last year, Lt. Koen tackled and subdued an inmate who was attacking two correctional officers with an edged weapon. Lt. Eugene Lasco of LaPorte County lost his life in the incident. Koen was commended for responding to the scene quickly and preventing further bloodshed.

 

Corrections U.S.A. is a group representing correctional officers nationwide. The Medal of Valor is their highest award. 21 other officers received recognition at their national conference in Las Vegas.

 

Lt. Lasco was honored across the state last week on the anniversary of his murder.