Sheriff John D. Idleburg is pleased to announce Correctional Officer Dionne Dawson was selected ‘Correctional Officer of the Year” by the Illinois Sheriff’s Association.
CO Dawson began her career with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in October of 2010. She is highly enthusiastic, motivated, and frequently seeks additional responsibilities. CO Dawson has been trained in every area of the correctional facility and performs exceptionally well in all areas. She actively seeks training opportunities and imparts her knowledge to her peers. She is a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Member, Naloxone Certified, and an instructor of Inter-Personal Communication Skills (IPC).
On January 24, 2018, CO Dawson volunteered to take part in the 2018 Point-in-Time Homeless Count. She along with other volunteers searched for, interviewed, and aided unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in Lake County. She helped document the needs of Lake County communities and connected people in need with services which could be of assistance.
On July 12, 2018, while assigned as an internal-transport officer, CO Dawson was called to the jail reception area to process a subject who was self-surrendering on an arrest warrant. When CO Dawson arrived, she saw the subject on the floor, face-down, and unresponsive. The person was hardly breathing. CO Dawson recognized the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose. She immediately called a medical emergency and requested Naloxone to the scene. CO Dawson administered three doses of Naloxone with no positive response. A fourth dose of Naloxone was administered and the person became responsive. The subject was taken to the hospital for further treatment and there’s no doubt she survived because of CO Dawson’s life-saving efforts.
CO Dawson was honored on February 4, 2019, as ‘Correctional Officer of the Year’ at the Illinois Sheriff’s Association banquet held in East Peoria.
Sheriff John Idleburg said, “I couldn’t be prouder of Correctional Officer Dawson’s dedication and willingness to serve the people of Lake County. CO Dawson comes to work every day with a terrific attitude, takes great pride in helping others, and frequently goes above and beyond. Congratulations CO Dawson on being named Correctional Officer of the Year!”