Announcements

2012 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

San Antonio Man Receives Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer Award

Photo of Award Winner(s) (AUSTIN) - Reverend Albert Lucio of San Antonio was presented the Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award today in recognition of his dedication to helping former offenders of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The award was presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Oliver Bell, and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston today during a ceremony held in Austin. Lucio is one of 13 individuals and 6 organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help offenders and those who are on parole or probation.

"Each of this year's award recipients personify a selfless dedication to helping offenders succeed both while incarcerated, and once they're released," said Livingston.

Lucio was the recipient of the "Nancy Hees" Award. This award is named in recognition of Nancy Hees who passed away in February 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer. Nancy, a TDCJ employee at the time of her death, worked in the Parole Division admirably for more than 14 years.

Reverend Lucio consistently teaches a weekly faith-based substance abuse class from Noon to 1:00 p.m. every Monday at the San Antonio Metro Parole Office. His class provides support, counsel, teaching, and direction to over 25 parolees weekly. While this is a difficult time of the day to hold classes, those in attendance continue to return each week because his messages are fresh, current, and applicable. His commitment to meeting each day's challenges with a positive attitude through faith gives parolees a strong foundation as they learn through his example how to best manage their own individual problems. Reverend Lucio also teaches classes at the Dominguez State Jail, serving as a strategic bridge for the offender as they transition from being incarcerated to working through the challenges of parole

Reverend Lucio is one of thousands of concerned volunteers, who like him, donate many hours of their personal time every year with the goal of changing the lives of convicted offenders, and aiding and comforting their victims. Annually, over 18,000 volunteers make 163,000 visits to criminal justice facilities and work with offenders who are on supervision, donating over 526,000 hours of service.

Note to media: For more information, contact Jason Clark, TDCJ Public Information Officer, at 936-437-6052 or by email at jason.clark@tdcj.state.tx.us.