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TextSheriff's Office Salutes Jail Volunteers
April 23, 2010
"What you do is priceless," said Fairfax County Sheriff Stan Barry at an April 22, 2010 luncheon to recognize the 275 active volunteers who work in the county jail.
Barry read from a letter recently sent to him by the father of a former
inmate. "Our son’s detainment was a first step in his recovery from
drug addiction. You kept him safe from the abuse…but not too
comfortable." The father reports that his son has been drug-free and
sober for two years and is getting good grades in college.
Barry told the volunteers that this father’s letter "puts a face on our philosophy. This kid’s life was full of destruction and despair. You paid attention. You saved his life," said Barry.
Sheriff’s Office volunteers provide inmate programs at the Adult Detention Center and the Pre-Release Center, including life skills, job skills, parenting, personal improvement, drug and alcohol addiction recovery, educational advancement and spirituality. In 2009 these volunteers contributed more than 11,000 hours and presented 4,600 classes.
With partner organizations—including the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board; Fairfax County Public Schools; Good News Jail & Prison Ministry; and Opportunities, Alternatives & Resources of Fairfax—the Sheriff’s Office offers inmates the opportunity to make a difference in their future.
Don Ehreth (Sully District), Gloria Rodriguez (Providence District), Bill Richey (Hunter Mill District), John Davis (City of Alexandria) and Joe Schultz (Lee District) received special recognition as the most outstanding volunteers for 2009.
If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a Sheriff’s Office volunteer, please call 2nd Lt. Patty Chartak, 703-246-2845, or e-mail the Sheriff's Office.
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