from staff
The Police Athletic League recently held its 3rd Annual Recognition of Service Ceremony and joining Sheriff John Rutherford for the event were former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey and Joe Zelenka of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The annual ceremony allows PAL to thank its volunteers, employees, sponsors and business and civic leaders who make each year successful.
“It is important we recognize the members of our community who are working day in and day out to be a positive influence on children,” said Rutherford.
Four City Council members — Pat Lockett-Felder, Lynette Self, Glorious Johnson and Gwen Yates — served as honorary cochairs of the event, during which PAL also celebrated 35 years of service. Former JSO officer Norm Demers was honored as the founder of PAL.
Others recognized included:
• Doyle Burke Moore — Golden Pal Award
• Denisha Merriweather — Youth Volunteer of the Year
• Jessee Hudson — Volunteer Coach of the Year, and
• Robert Rogers Sr., Sherlene Oglesby and Linda Rykaczewski — Education Volunteers of the Year