Sheriff’s Merit Board Discusses Camp HERO’s Success
August 8, 2024 at 8:23 p.m.
The success of Camp HERO was discussed during a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office Merit Board meeting on Thursday.
KCSO Public Information Officer Sgt. Doug Light said the three-day camp had just under 200 kids enrolled this year. Light told the board it was a "tremendous turnout," noting it takes a lot of work from volunteers and organizations to make it happen.
Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith said the participants had the "time of their life" at the camp, describing a "family-style atmosphere" with all the participating agencies.
Smith said they also received several compliments from parents about children hearing a personal testimony from a Kosciusko County Work Release inmate during the camp.
Smith also said Kosciusko Community Recovery Program Resource Navigator Shanna Wallen is doing great with helping inmates receive resources upon their release. Since beginning her work in early July, Smith said Wallen has already handled 10 individual cases.
The board also thanked Tony Garza for his service to the board. Garza has stepped down as a board member, as he will be serving as judge pro tempore in Whitley County for one year.
KCSO Chief Deputy Chris McKeand said deputies gave one nomination for a Democrat representative to replace Garza. Shari Benyousky has accepted the nomination, with the election taking place electronically on Friday, Aug. 9.
The board's next meeting is Sept. 12.
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The success of Camp HERO was discussed during a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office Merit Board meeting on Thursday.
KCSO Public Information Officer Sgt. Doug Light said the three-day camp had just under 200 kids enrolled this year. Light told the board it was a "tremendous turnout," noting it takes a lot of work from volunteers and organizations to make it happen.
Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith said the participants had the "time of their life" at the camp, describing a "family-style atmosphere" with all the participating agencies.
Smith said they also received several compliments from parents about children hearing a personal testimony from a Kosciusko County Work Release inmate during the camp.
Smith also said Kosciusko Community Recovery Program Resource Navigator Shanna Wallen is doing great with helping inmates receive resources upon their release. Since beginning her work in early July, Smith said Wallen has already handled 10 individual cases.
The board also thanked Tony Garza for his service to the board. Garza has stepped down as a board member, as he will be serving as judge pro tempore in Whitley County for one year.
KCSO Chief Deputy Chris McKeand said deputies gave one nomination for a Democrat representative to replace Garza. Shari Benyousky has accepted the nomination, with the election taking place electronically on Friday, Aug. 9.
The board's next meeting is Sept. 12.