Victim/witness program volunteers honored at banquet
Lead Summary
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
The Highland County Prosecuting Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program honored the work and dedication of its volunteers Wednesday during an appreciation banquet.
Program director Barb Shoemaker presented recognition awards to volunteers during the ceremony held at the Ponderosa Banquet Center, and spoke about late-night calls volunteers routinely receive to go lend comfort and support to people in Highland County who are facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives, with the loss of a loved one, or as the victim of a crime.
Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss presented volunteer Dan Benkiel with a special award for service.
Coss, who originated the program when he was the Highland County Prosecuting Attorney, spoke about Benkiel, and the inception of the program.
"Dan Benkiel was among the first volunteers in the program," Coss said. "There were about 20 people in that first class and there was an eight-week training course. I'm glad that he is still in the program after 19 years, especially knowing the burnout and the mind-numbing work they put in. He has a tremendous amount of empathy, and always knows what to say."
Shoemaker said, "I am amazed at these volunteers. They are amazing people."
Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins presented special awards to volunteers John Dodds and to Betty Jackman.
"John will always help out anyone who needs help, and he will do it with a smile," Collins said. "He is committed to this county.
Collins said that Jackman, who is also president of the Greenfield Village Council, is the office "bloodhound," because she knows everyone, where they work, and who they are related to.
Additionally, Collins said she can attest to the great work that Jackman does for the program, because Jackson assisted her own family when through a tragedy.
"She helped with my family when we suffered the loss of my brother in a car crash," Collins said. "I have the utmost respect for this lady."
Shoemaker also presented recognition awards to volunteers Becki Branscome, Kay McCreight, Amanda Roades, Patty Taylor, Kay Vance, Valarie Watson, and Teresa Wisecup.
The Highland County Prosecuting Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program honored the work and dedication of its volunteers Wednesday during an appreciation banquet.
Program director Barb Shoemaker presented recognition awards to volunteers during the ceremony held at the Ponderosa Banquet Center, and spoke about late-night calls volunteers routinely receive to go lend comfort and support to people in Highland County who are facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives, with the loss of a loved one, or as the victim of a crime.
Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss presented volunteer Dan Benkiel with a special award for service.
Coss, who originated the program when he was the Highland County Prosecuting Attorney, spoke about Benkiel, and the inception of the program.
"Dan Benkiel was among the first volunteers in the program," Coss said. "There were about 20 people in that first class and there was an eight-week training course. I'm glad that he is still in the program after 19 years, especially knowing the burnout and the mind-numbing work they put in. He has a tremendous amount of empathy, and always knows what to say."
Shoemaker said, "I am amazed at these volunteers. They are amazing people."
Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins presented special awards to volunteers John Dodds and to Betty Jackman.
"John will always help out anyone who needs help, and he will do it with a smile," Collins said. "He is committed to this county.
Collins said that Jackman, who is also president of the Greenfield Village Council, is the office "bloodhound," because she knows everyone, where they work, and who they are related to.
Additionally, Collins said she can attest to the great work that Jackman does for the program, because Jackson assisted her own family when through a tragedy.
"She helped with my family when we suffered the loss of my brother in a car crash," Collins said. "I have the utmost respect for this lady."
Shoemaker also presented recognition awards to volunteers Becki Branscome, Kay McCreight, Amanda Roades, Patty Taylor, Kay Vance, Valarie Watson, and Teresa Wisecup.
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