This week, we were reminded that Osceola County has some of the best public safety employees in the nation.

Osceola County Corrections Officer Reeshemah Taylor was awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor at the White House on Wednesday for a 2009 incident in which she took down a dangerous inmate who was holding another officer hostage. The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. It’s awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. We heartily thank Officer Taylor for not only performing her job to the fullest, but also showing the U.S. that Osceola County has the best of the best.

It was on June 22, 2009, when Taylor was assigned to the Medical Unit of the Osceola County Jail. While performing her duties, Taylor was confronted by a high-risk inmate who had taken one officer hostage and changed into that officer’s uniform. The inmate placed a fully loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun to Taylor’s head as she walked into the room where the inmate and the captive officer were located. This inmate had a history of violent felony charges and was already serving three consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole. The inmate was being held at the Osceola County Jail pending trial for a violent armed robbery.

According to investigators, there was no doubt that this inmate would have used the firearm to escape. He was prepared to shoot anyone who might attempt to avert him from his plan, as he felt he had nothing to lose and did not want to return to prison.

During Taylor’s confrontation with the inmate, a struggle took place for the weapon. While the weapon was pointed at Taylor, she immediately grabbed the gun with both hands, diverting it from her direction, and delivered a knee to the inmate’s groin. The inmate dropped to the floor, dislodging the weapon from his hand. Taylor placed herself on top of the inmate, with one arm around his head to fashion a headlock, and her legs scissoring his lower body, to keep him on the floor and away from the gun.

She successfully subdued this inmate through sheer determination, instincts, will and courage. Congratulations, Officer Taylor.