BATH -- A Steuben County corrections officer’s swift action
in late April potentially saved the life of an inmate, according to county
Sheriff Jim Allard and Jail Superintendent Major Matthew Whitmore. Steuben
Corrections Officer Robert Labar was supervising the collection of lunch time
meal trays on April 30 when he noticed an inmate choking, Allard told the
county Legislature’s Public Safety and Corrections Committee Monday. Labar immediately responded to the emergency, performed the
Heimlich maneuver and called a Code Blue as part of the jail’s policy, Allard
said. “It’s very likely he saved the inmate’s life,” Allard said. Allard’s
commendation credited Labar for his attention to detail and use of the training
he has received. Labar's calm and decisive action under incredible
circumstances, reflected his professionalism and commitment to duty as well as
reflecting the principles of the county Sheriff’s Department, Allard said.
