TMC graduate remembered for giving life in the line of duty

FORSYTH - A Truett-McConnell College graduate who was killed while on duty as a guard at Telfair State Prison in October was honored posthumously by the state last week.

The Georgia Department of Corrections honored Officer Larry Stell with the James Henderson Award. Henderson was a correctional office at Georgia State Prison who died in the line of duty in 2002.

For placing service above self and extraordinary bravery beyond the call of duty, the GDC created the James Henderson award to honor his memory.

Stell began his career with GDC in August 2001. From 2005 until he returned back to Telfair State Prison, Stell served both Wilcox and Telfair state prisons.

On October 11, 2012, Stell's life was cut short when he died of injuries sustained in the line of duty.

"Officer Stell's life is not defined by this tragic event," the presentation states. "On that fateful day, he placed service above self and showed extraordinary bravery beyond the call of duty. He was a dedicated employee, a devoted husband to his wife of 20 years, and a man of great faith. He was a very active member of his church, Helena Baptist, where he helped sponsor the children's ministry program and also spearheaded a sock drive every December for the elderly at the local nursing homes."

"Larry's zest for life was contagious and inspiring to people around him, pushing them to do more than they normally would have done," the presentation states. "He is greatly missed by fellow employees and friends and will remain in our hearts forever."

Telfair State Prison Warden William Danforth and Facilities Operations Director Randy Tillman accepted the award on behalf of Stell's family.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/5/261957