Corrections officer and Deputy of the year awarded

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente and Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol were joined by American Legion Post 1290 Commander Don Light as he presented the American Legion Correction Officer of the Year to Correction Officer Michael Durant and Deputy of the Year to Deputy Stephen Manley. The award presentations were done at the beginning of the Oneida County Board of Legislators meeting this afternoon. Officer Durant is a 23 year veteran of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office who previously served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1984 – 1991. Officer Durant was nominated by Sheriff Robert Maciol for his continued good work in combating the introduction of contraband into the Oneida County Correctional Facility. Officer Durant, who is assigned to the control towers in jail, constantly monitors visits between inmates and civilians via facility camera monitors. Officer Durant’s vigilance and observations have resulted in several inmates and civilians being caught in the transferring of contraband during the course of their visit. Contraband that has been seized as a result of Officer Durant’s observation include tobacco, marijuana, and opiates. Several inmates and civilians that were caught were subsequently charged with