Penobscot County commissioners have recognized the efforts of a Penobscot County Jail corrections officer whose medical assistance helped save an inmate’s life.

Penobscot County Jail Corrections Officer Douglas Libby was named Corrections Officer of the Year by the Maine Sheriff’s Association and late last month was recognized by the county commissioners during a regular meeting.

Libby, a relatively new hire, was on duty Sept. 17, 2003, when, as part of a 15-minute check, an inmate was found hanging from the cell door by a bed sheet. Libby was nearby and, as a trained emergency medical technician, provided CPR until paramedics arrived. Libby worked with the paramedics until the inmate showed signs of life and was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Libby’s “early and quick movements onto the scene probably saved the man’s life,” Blanchard told his fellow commissioners Jan. 27.

The commissioners presented a certificate of appreciation to Libby, who said he credited others with assisting during the situation.