By C1 Staff
SANTA FE — Two former correctional officers who were taken hostage during a 1980 prison riot were honored by the New Mexico Corrections Department on Friday.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that officers Ronnie Martinez and Ramon Gutierrez were awarded the department’s Medal of Honor. Gutierrez passed since leaving the department and the medal was given to his family.
Both officers were hostages during the Feb. 2, 1980 riot that rocked the Penitentiary of Mexico.
“These officers displayed tremendous courage and sacrifice in a very dangerous situation,” Corrections Secretary Gregg Mercantel said in a news release. “I’m proud to be able to honor their dedication and service to New Mexico after such a long time. To be able to honor these officers gives the feeling of righting a wrong.”
Gutierrez and Martinez were among many correctional officers honored two years ago by the department for their service during the riot, but at the time the department could not locate either of them.