FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 19, 2026

Indiana Department of Correction Team Wins First Place at 2026 Mock Prison Riot Competition 

The Indiana Department of Correction Emergency Response Unit team earned top honors at the 2026 Mock Prison Riot Skills Competition, held recently at the decommissioned West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia. 

The internationally recognized Mock Prison Riot event brings together corrections, law enforcement, military and public safety professionals for advanced tactical training and competition. This year’s event featured 28 teams, including four international competitors. 

The IDOC team competed in multiple tactical exercises designed to test endurance, communication, teamwork and operational readiness in realistic, high-pressure scenarios. 

The team earned: 

• First place in breach, climb and recover 

• Second place in respond and recover 

• Third place in recover, breach and secure 

The Mock Prison Riot also includes workshops, tactical training scenarios, technology demonstrations and a technology exhibit hall focused on advancements in public safety and corrections operations. 

“This is an example of what hard work, preparation, positive attitude and being coachable can accomplish,” said Executive Director of Field Operations Troy Keith. “These men have worked tirelessly since this event last year and I couldn’t be more proud of them.” 

Commissioner Lloyd Arnold recognized the team’s achievement during a recent presentation ceremony, where team members received challenge coins honoring their accomplishment. 

Team Members 

• Troy Keith — IDOC Central Office, executive director 

• Levi Boluwo — SERT 

• Jerry Hayn — Rockville Correctional Facility emergency squad 

• Phillip Ivy — Wabash Valley Correctional Facility emergency squad 

• Seijin Buckles — SERT 

• Zach Barker — Rockville Correctional Facility emergency squad 

• Chance Talbot — SERT 

• Tyler Schitter — SERT 

• Randy Jones — Westville Correctional Facility emergency squad 

• James Heinrich — Westville Correctional Facility emergency squad 

• Timothy Lang — Westville Correctional Facility emergency squad 

• Zaeha VanSchoyck — Westville Correctional Facility emergency squad 

The Indiana Department of Correction congratulates the team members for their outstanding performance and for representing the agency and the state of Indiana with professionalism, discipline and teamwork. 

Photos from the event can be found on Flicker.

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