Region 1 Safe Communities holds its first Safety Award Appreciation Picnic

It was held at Harmon Park with Fire Chief Jim Jarland cooking the burgers. Food was donated by Economart and Mercy Hospital. A cake was made available with funds donated by area people. In attendance were local law enforcement, public health officials, the president of the Williston City Commission, the Chamber of Commerce executive director, hospital administration, and of course Safe Communities coalition members. Awards were given to area community members who were nominated by the coalition to receive a "Safe Community 2004 Leader Award". People who received the awards were:

Tom Bloch - Fire and Ambulance

Tom has such a gift for woodworking and painting. For over 25 years he has created many games out of wood. He has given his talents and his time to help make this community a safer place for youth of all ages. He has been available for many community events such as Operation Graduation, Mercy Hospital, Parenting fair, and various church and charity activities. He has shared his talents with an open heart and spirit.

Carolyn DeMeyer - Williston Parks and Rec

Carolyn has given each of the workers from Community Service invaluable moral support, verbal incentives to encourage them to continue to do better with their work and themselves in general. Her exuberance is contagious. The workers come away from their service experience with a feeling of importance and being needed by society. Carolyn also extends her enthusiasm to her staff and the many children that she comes into contact with at the pools and the golf course.

Jenna Yockim - SADD Student of the Year

Jenna is a very dedicated student and SADD member. She has a genuine concern for the safety of her peers and the choices they make. Because of that she was named SADD Student of the Year. She also organized a women's safety workshop for an FCCLA project last spring.

Jeff Nelson - Northern Plains Radio

Jeff has been a valuable member of the media throughout many campaigns. He has a caring attitude when it comes to keeping people safe on the roads be it in adverse weather conditions, through safe driving tips, or by gentle reminders. He cares about the area youth and helps with Operation Graduation yearly. He keeps people up to date, informed and aware of area happenings. All the time reminding them to "Buckle Up and Drive Safe."

Mark Hanson - Williston Police Department

Mark is very dedicated to making our community a better and safer place to live. Mark has volunteered his time to train individuals on domestic violence issues, spent many hours on the board for Mentors and Friends for Youth. He values our youth and it shows not only through his efforts at school educating the young people with his Counteract program but also by putting a friendly face on Law Enforcement.

Sharon Leach - Hardee's

Sharon has been a valuable member of this community. She is always willing to participate by providing incentives to help keep the kids in our area safe. Every February during Child Passenger Safety Month she provides coupons for free French fries or a small cone to every 2nd grader in the area who is buckled up for the month as well as having an in store display of passenger safety. She is willing to support other safety events throughout the year. She cares about the youth of our area.

Jim Jarland - Fire Chief

Jim has supported the Safe Communities concept throughout the entire time that he has been on the coalition. He has been chair of the coalition for the past 3 years. He attends almost all of the events and takes a leadership role in the process. Jim has put the safety and well being of our citizens first and foremost. He is hard working and dedicated to making Williston a safer place to live.

Region 1 Safe Communities plan to hold this event annually and expand it's area Safety Leader Awards recipients.