TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Tomball Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

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

(AUSTIN) – William Darnall of Tomball, Texas, was presented the Leonard Davis Award for Most Hours Served 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 Leonard Davis who passed away in 2009. He was the honored recipient of this award in 2005, 2007, 2008 and posthumously in 2010 when the award was re-named in his honor.

Mr. Darnall’s dedication to helping the men at the Pack Unit in Navasota grow in their faith is above and beyond what most people would expect. He dedicates four days a week to oversee the unit programs and church services. He is a Certified Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant (CVCA) who has an eye for detail and plays a pivotal role in assisting with administrative work. During the fiscal year 2022, he dedicated more than 1,400 hours to the inmates and staff at the Pack Unit.

William Darnall is one of 23 individuals and organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help offenders 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.