PENNSYLVANIA — The prestigious Governor’s Awards for Excellence, a program that recognizes commonwealth employees for exemplary job performance that reflects initiative, leadership, innovation, and outstanding public service, has been awarded to state Parole Agent Brian Clawson. This announcement was made by Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Dr. Laurel R. Harry this past week.
Agent Clawson was recognized for his heroic act of saving the life of a two-year-old child while on assignment. The child had accidentally ingested their mother’s prescribed methadone and became unresponsive. Agent Clawson and his partner arrived at the scene, administered Narcan, and successfully revived the child before emergency medical services reached the location.
“Agent Clawson is a true hero who embodies the DOC’s commitment to public safety,” said Secretary Harry. “When rapidly changing circumstances called for swift and decisive action, Agent Clawson was not only trained and prepared, he also answered the call without hesitation and placed the life of that child above everything else.”
On May 19, 2022, Agent Clawson was serving as a member of the DOC’s Fugitive Apprehension Search Team (FAST) and was part of a U.S. Marshals Service task force in Cambria County. Along with his partner, Deputy Clint Divido from the Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Agent Clawson was conducting surveillance on a fugitive case.
While monitoring 911 radio traffic, Agent Clawson and Deputy Divido heard a dispatch call for an unresponsive two-year-old. Realizing the call for help was coming from a building directly adjacent to where they were parked, the men broke from their surveillance detail and immediately responded.
Agent Clawson checked the child’s vitals, confirmed respiratory failure, and administered his state-issued Narcan to counteract the effects of the methadone, while Deputy Divido communicated with local EMS responders who were on their way. Agent Clawson followed up with sternum rubs to increase the effectiveness of the Narcan, and the child began breathing.
The child was transported to a local hospital and then to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. In a follow-up investigation by local authorities, medical personnel agreed that the actions taken by Agent Clawson and Deputy Divido undoubtedly saved the child’s life.
“I am grateful that a person the caliber of Agent Clawson is a part of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and applaud him on this well-deserved award,” added Secretary Harry.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence are a testament to the dedication and commitment of state employees like Agent Clawson. This year, he is one of 54 state employees from eight agencies honored by Governor Josh Shapiro at the awards presentation. The award underscores the significant role these unsung heroes play in serving the citizens of Pennsylvania, often going above and beyond the call of duty.
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