TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Colorado Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel, Brian Robinson, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier.

(AUSTIN) – Mr. Brian Robinson of Parker, Colorado, was presented the Judy Burd Award from the Windham School District 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.”

A committed advocate for student success, Mr. Robinson has been providing volunteer services to the Windham School District since 2014. During his years of service, he has visited over thirty campuses across the district volunteering his time at the Ferguson Unit, the Hilltop Unit, the Terrell Unit, the Woodman State Jail and the Wynne Unit, just to name a few. He is a Talent Resource Specialist with MasTec Industrial with nearly thirty years of experience in industrial construction. All of his contributions to the Windham School District have been with the same goal in mind of helping students progress from effective training to careers and advancement in the construction industry. He maintains contact with WSD instructors to communicate industry standards for employment, ensuring that Windham students have access to the most current information. In addition, he was instrumental in training sixteen Windham instructors industry practices and was a guest speaker at two national Correctional Education Association conferences as well as the keynote speaker at the first TDCJ Skills Demonstration and Career Expo. He strives to use his expertise and knowledge to benefit learners. In January 2021, he became Managing Partner with Rig Fab Energy Services to help educational facilities providing American Welding Society certification to their students.

The award is named in tribute to curriculum specialist Judy Burd who was employed with the WSD where she developed the nationally recognized pre-release program CHANGES. She was also the WSD volunteer program coordinator and, in that capacity, encouraged many to give their time in service to others. Judy Burd was well qualified for this role as she volunteered at the local alternative education program and for several years taught adult education at night in her community, helping many to learn to read and write.

Mr. Robinson 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.