NYS Probation Officers Association Conference

ALBANY, NY (07/31/2007)(readMedia)--

State Director of Probation and Correctional Alternatives Presents 2007 Probation Officer of the Year Awards at NYS Probation Officers Association Conference

Robert M. Maccarone, State Director of Probation and Correctional Alternatives, will present the Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (DPCA) 2007 “Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer Award” at this year’s NYS Probation Officers Association Conference held in Albany, August 1st—3rd.

Mr. Maccarone will recognize the outstanding work of probation officers at this year’s Awards Luncheon held on Thursday, August 2nd at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany. This year, the professionalism of two outstanding probation officers will be recognized: Sean Rentz, Albany County Senior Probation Officer, and Randy Ontl, Delaware County Probation Officer. Additionally, this year the State Director will present a new award for outstanding professional service provided through a probation and social services collaborative team. Receiving the “Probation/Social Services Collaborative Team Award” for the first year will be Chautauqua County Probation Officer Willie Davis and Chautauqua County Community Services Worker Diana Ward.

The award for “Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer of the Year” is presented each year by DPCA in recognition of exceptional service, dedication and professionalism performed by a probation officer who has significantly contributed to the field of community corrections and strengthened its role within the criminal justice and/or juvenile justice system. Nominations were submitted by Albany County Probation Supervisor William Peters, Delaware County Probation Supervisor Scott Glueckert, Chautauqua County Senior Probation Officer Martha Young and affirmed by the respective Probation Directors, Patrica Aikens, Terri Theobald, and Russell Homme. The Probation/Social Services Collaborative Award is a new award to recognize exemplary probation/social services collaboration in delivery of service to individuals and families by both agencies.

Sean Rentz was praised for his “competence, caring and responsibility” and “personal sacrifice” in working with male juveniles under probation supervision. Specifically, he has received credit as being “instrumental to the success of the first year of La Salle School’s Evening Report Center.” Randy Ontl was cited for his “dedication” and “immeasurable influence” with respect to probation’s involvement with the Drug Treatment Court and is viewed as “the driving force behind the evolution of probation practice in Delaware County.” Both probation officers were recognized for their commitment to working non-traditional hours, their interest in reaching those under supervision and helping them to understand the importance of leading law abiding lives.

Willie Davis and Diana Ward are members of their local Juvenile Services Team, which assists schools, police and community agencies. They are credited for its success and reducing temporary and permanent juvenile placements. Both professionals received praise for focusing their efforts on “what is needed to keep the family together in a healthy situation.” They are viewed as “true team players and are there for help and support whenever called upon.”

“I am honored to recognize the significant accomplishments of Sean Rentz, Randy Ontl, Willie Davis, and Diana Ward,” Mr. Maccarone said. “Trust, compassion, and professional responsibility are essential qualities of public servants. Such attributes facilitate positive change in young and adult offender behavior, promote offender accountability and public safety. These four professionals represent the more than 3,000 probation officers that work each day to reduce recidivism, prevent victimization and protect their communities in New York State. The awardees are recognized as exemplary role models and effective advocates for strengthening the field of probation.”

Both Senior Probation Officer Rentz and Probation Officer Ontl have been with their respective probation departments for nine years. Probation Officer Davis has 18 years of departmental service and Community Services Worker Diana Ward has 28 years of agency service.

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