Steve Cordle
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office recently received an award for having the highest percentage of participation in the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches Payroll Contribution Program for the state of Florida. 2020 marked the twelfth year in a row that the JCSO won the award.
The program was started in 2008 during the Administration of the late Sheriff David Hobbs, who was a major supporter of Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. When Sheriff Hobbs died in 2017, then Governor Rick Scott appointed Sheriff Mac McNeill to the office and he has continued the tradition. Long time department veterans carry on the tradition in Sheriff Hobbs’ memory and new hires are encouraged to participate, but it is strictly a volunteer venture. Sheriff McNeill explained that when the importance of the contribution program is described to new hires, they are usually eager to participate.
According to their website, the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches was started in 1957 by a small group of Florida sheriffs who saw the need for a residential care facility for troubled boys. With a little bit of cash and a big dream, they pooled their wisdom and efforts and watched their dream become a reality. Within a short period of time, they were helping many young boys turn their lives around to become productive and responsible adults.
The organization has a vision to “develop young men and women who, because of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, are able to face the future with a sense of direction, ability and hope.” Further, they see as their mission the prevention of “delinquency and develop lawful, resilient and productive citizens.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.