Prison worker awarded silver star

A pickup truck is flipped on the side of the road. It teeters dangerously on the edge of a canal, in constant danger of taking the final plunge. Inside, the driver is trapped, his legs broken, his arm bleeding profusely.

This is the situation Correctional Counselor 1 Darren White faced in early August of last year. Paramedics on the scene later said that White's quick thinking and personal involvement saved the victim's life.

As a reward, he was given the Medal of Valor Corrections Star (Silver) medal on Friday.

In a Sacramento ceremony that honored nearly 100 Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees, the California State Prison, Corcoran worker was given the third highest award for acts of bravery presented by the department. The Silver Star is said to be given to people that "display courage in the face of potential peril while saving or attempting to save the life of another person."

White was apparently on his way to work when he noticed the overturned vehicle and quickly stopped to help. The man inside was bleeding heavily and was hanging from his seatbelt, unable to move.

Reacting fast, White applied a compress to the man's wounds and tried to calm him while they waited for paramedics and later a medical helicopter to arrive. People at the scene say White even helped the paramedics airlift the victim to the hospital, one of many acts that led to the individual still living today.

White was honored at the State Capitol building ceremony by CDCR Secretary James. E. Tilton, who presented him with the award along with 18 other recipients across California.

The Silver Star is the third highest award for acts of bravery under extraordinary or unusual circumstances that the Department gives out.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(May 17, 2008)