TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

San Antonio Pastor Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel, Pastor Albert Lucio, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier.

(AUSTIN) – Pastor Albert Lucio of San Antonio, Texas, was presented the Nancy Hees Award during the Governor’s 2023 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 at a ceremony in Austin.

“These award recipients, by volunteering countless hours, are helping to build a better Texas for themselves and everyone whose lives they touch,” said O’Daniel. “It is an honor to recognize them for their hard work and dedication.”

“It takes a very special kind of person to give of their time and expect no material reward,” said Collier. “These volunteers are invaluable to us and have made a lasting impact through their contributions to the public safety of all Texans.”

The 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. Her dynamic character and devotion to helping others positively influenced the lives of many parolees and their families. Her heartfelt compassion and generosity built a bridge of communication between parolees and the agency’s administration and established the Division’s Ombudsman’s Office as a reliable information resource for offender families.

Pastor Albert Lucio has been the face of parole volunteerism in the San Antonio area since 2009. He facilitates four Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) groups three days per week. This has amounted to over 500 clients served. He understands the importance of his role in our clients’ successful reentry and substance abuse needs, as well as the difficulties the clients’ varying work schedules can present. Pastor Lucio ensures that at least one AA/NA meeting is held one evening each week. In addition to his activities with the Parole Division, he also finds time to bring his ministry to the inmate population in twenty-eight TDCJ units statewide.

Pastor Albert Lucio is one of 23 individuals and organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole or probation. They donate many hours of their personal time every year with the goal of changing the lives of convicted inmates while aiding and comforting their victims.

In FY2022, there were 23,376 volunteers who provided a total of 146,649 hours of service.

Note to media: For more information, contact Robert Hurst at (936) 437-6052 or by e-mail at robert_hurst@tdcj.texas.gov.