TDCJ News

2019-2020 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Allen Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

(AUSTIN) – Michael Miller of Allen, Texas was presented the award for Extensive Travel during the Governor’s 2020-2021 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today.

The award was presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Patrick O’Daniel, and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier during an online ceremony.

“Volunteering is a responsibility that these recipients have embraced wholeheartedly and for that we are extremely grateful,” said O’Daniel.

“The efforts of these award recipients are unparalleled,” said Collier. “Every day they leave a profound and lasting impression on the lives of so many across the State of Texas.”

A certified volunteer chaplain’s assistant (CVCA), Mr. Miller has volunteered faithfully at the Hutchins State Jail six days a week over the past two years. He’s been described as a very dedicated, giving and compassionate man. He has completed every task assigned to him without complaint. The staff, inmates and other volunteers at the Hutchins State Jail have all described how dedicated he is. Prior to the pandemic, he assumed the role of choir director at the unit and the number of inmate participants increased. He also takes the time to counsel inmates who have experienced a substantial loss within their families. Mr. Miller truly loves working with people and logged more than 20,000 miles during FY2019.

Mr. Miller is one of 16 individuals and 6 organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole and probation. They 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.

In FY2019, there were 22,506 volunteers who served a total of 394,214 hours.

Note to media: For more information, contact Jeremy Desel, TDCJ Director of Communications, at (936) 437-6052 or by e-mail at jeremy.desel@tdcj.texas.gov.