From Hanford Sentinel.

The Kings County Board of Supervisors recognized the week of July 20-26 as Probation Services Week via resolution on Tuesday during their regular meeting. To highlight the work done by the department, Probation Chief Leonard Bakker shared a few words of admiration for his staff.

Bakker said the recognition was for operational and institutional probation staff as they fill a critical and vital role within the community.

“Probation is not a job, but instead a calling,” said Bakker. “It demands a unique blend of accountability, empathy, resilience and professionalism.”

He went on to say that the county probation staff are often the driving force behind the successful reintegration of individuals into the community. Working with people of all ages, Bakker said the probation staff watch others change and grow every day, and work hard to connect those in need to the resources needed.

He admitted that the work done by probation officers is often unseen, but that it impacts many lives. Despite the mental, emotional and physical demands, Bakker said the county’s probation department staff remains compassionate and professional, he said.

“Probation staff success is our county’s success. Every life redirected, every youth given a second chance, every adult who returns to the workforce or school because of probation staff’s persistence, those are wins not just for one person, but for us in the community as a whole,” said Bakker.

“To all the probation staff I want to say loud and clear, I see you, I value you, and from the bottom of my heart I say thank you. Your tireless efforts are essential to a fair, functional and forward thinking justice system. You help individuals make real lasting change and in doing so you strengthen the fabric of our entire community.”

Before the board unanimously approved the resolution for Probation Services Week, Supervisor Richard Valle expressed his appreciation for probation staff, and noted that it is not uncommon for probation workers to suffer from PTSD after leaving the job.

Valle mentioned two incidents within the last couple of weeks that highlighted the danger in probation jobs; a probation officer was set on fire in Stockton on July 11 and another probation officer was shot and killed in his office in Oakland on July 17.

Valle requested that the county discuss ways to make sure the county probation department officers are safer, including fortifying the office. 

Read the full article here.