TDCJ News

30th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

April 30, 2025

Twenty-two outstanding individuals and organizations from across Texas were recognized for their selfless contributions to inmates, parolees and probationers at the 30th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 24, 2025.

The awards were presented by the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at a ceremony in Austin.

"These individuals, through their generous gift of time and energy, are instrumental in shaping a stronger Texas for themselves and all those they connect with," TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols said. "We are honored to celebrate their significant contributions.”

"Our volunteers are nothing short of heroes,” TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said. “Their compassion and commitment profoundly improve the lives of many Texans. TDCJ, and the entire state, benefits immensely from their service."

The following honorees were recognized at the ceremony:

• Jenn Harris of Spring, Texas, received the Chaplaincy Department Award
• Alfred Deal Jr. of El Paso, Texas, received the Correctional Institutions Division Award
• Kings Crossing Prison Ministries of Corpus Christi, Texas, received the Nancy Hees, Parole Division Award
• Jerry Nicholson of Buda, Texas, received the Contracted Facilities Volunteer Award
• Katelyn Smith of Milano, Texas, received the Rehabilitation and Reentry Division Award
• Larry Harmon of Dallas, Texas, received the Religious Service Award  
• Raeanne Hance of Rockwood, TN, received the Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Division Award
• Trisha Bos of Abilene, Texas, received the Substance Use Treatment Program Award
• Dr. Jeff Farroni of Galveston, Texas, received the Health Services Division Award
• Crystal Lyons of Saint Hedwig, Texas, received the Pathfinder Award, Victim Services Division
• Brandon Woods of Plainview, Texas, received the Judy Burd Award, Windham School District
• Johnny Adams of Balch Spring, Texas, received the Restorative Justice Award
• Sharon McKinney of Goliad, Texas, received the Susan Cranford Award, Female Inmate Program
• Charles Dewees of Cypress, Texas, received the Most Innovative Program Award
• Granny’s Tamales of Humble, Texas, received the Community Service Award
• Albert Yancey of Fresno, Texas, received the Best Family Program Award
• Yvonne Rohlfing of Gatesville, Texas, received the Leonard Davis Award, Most Hours Served
• Michael Wallace of Longview, Texas, received the Extensive Travel Award
• Katherine Revis of Livingston, Texas, received the TDCJ Employee Volunteer Award
• Senior Warden Donald Muniz of Lovelady, Texas, received the Criminal Justice Administrator of the Year Award
• Roy Sherman Mercer of Angleton, Texas, received the Judge Carroll Wilborn Jr. Award
• Mike Barber of Humble, Texas, received the Carol S. Vance Volunteer of the Year Award

The Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards were created in 1995 through collaborative efforts between the Office of Governor George W. Bush and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ). These awards are designated to honor volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the mission of TDCJ – to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime. The presentation of these awards has become a time-honored tradition and a highlight for the TBCJ and the TDCJ.