Awards for Perth officers who saved life of prisoner

PRISON OFFICERS from Perth have been recognised by the Justice Secretary in a ceremony at Edinburgh Castle.

Ke n n y MacAskill presented certificates to four members of staff who saved the life of a prisoner who had attempted suicide.

Arthur Baker, Kenneth McLean, John Marr and Ross Milne rushed to the man’s aid in autumn 2013.

Kenneth and Arthur also provided support to the prisoner’s cellmate, who wa s u n d e r s t a n d a bly distressed by the event.

They were among 11 Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff members to be recognised, with other award-winners employed at Edinburgh and Low Moss prisons.

Mr MacAskill said: “The men and women of the Scottish Prison Service are called upon to work with some of the most challenging and, in many instances, the most d a m a g e d, members of our society.

“Their first task is to keep those individuals secure and safe, but it also falls to them to treat those in their care with dignity and compassion.

“That dignity and that compassion has in many instances acted as the catalyst for people turning their lives around.”

Colin McConnell, chief executive of the SPS, added: “The achievements of the award-winners this evening must not be taken lightly, especially when we consider the demands upon them in a workplace that can often be strenuous, dangerous and harrowing.