Author: Greg Thomas
The annual Community Supervision Chief Deputy Secretary’s Award goes to the entire staff of Division IV for their heroic efforts and dedication in response to Hurricane Helene. The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the annual NC Probation/Parole Association (NCPPA) training institute, Wednesday, Nov. 5 in Mill Spring.
Presenting on behalf of CDS Tracy K. Lee, were Director of Administrative Services Teasie Starling, Director of Program Services, Brian Gates, and former, now-retired Director of Field Services Karey Treadway.
“This award is in recognition to your unwavering resilience, steadfast fortitude and extraordinary commitment during and after Hurricane Helene,” said Director Starling. “Your actions not only sustained operations but also inspired those around you. This honor is indicative of your strength, perseverance and spirit that carried your division through the storm.”
The award was accepted by Judicial Division Director Tim Gasperson and Assistant Judicial Division Director Latasha White.
North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein was the keynote speaker for the session. A long-time public health professional, Mrs. Stein spoke about removing the stigma from both those with mental health issues and substance-use disorders and improving treatment options.
Mrs. Stein also thanked the NCPPA for its attention on the well-being and mental health of its members, noting that probation/parole officers face extreme stress which can lead to mental health struggles and burn-out. She closed her remarks by thanking Community Supervision staff. “Our state’s most valuable resource is its people. Communities benefit when all of their residents can achieve their full potential, and they have a greater chance of reaching that potential because of what you do every day.”
NCDAC’s Division of Community Supervision employs approximately 2,000 certified officers who supervise roughly 75,000 people who are under probation, parole or post-release supervision.