To the Editor:

With so much attention lately on public officials who have not fulfilled their obligations in their official capacity, it is important to remember that such individuals are in the minority of those who hold elective office or serve their communities in volunteer positions.

Here in Warwick we have been extremely fortunate to have two individuals who served on the Juvenile Hearing Board since its formation in the spring of 1993. After this 23-year-long tenure on the JHB, members Judith Biernacki and Paul Evans have decided to step down.

The JHB meets twice a month to hear the cases of first-time juvenile offenders whose cases are deemed appropriate by the chief of police to be heard by the Board rather than be sent to Family Court. The objective of the Board is to provide offenders the opportunity to discuss their actions and, through satisfactorily addressing sanctions including, but not limited to, community service, resume their place as law-abiding members of the community.

Both Ms. Biernacki and Mr. Evans, over the course of their volunteer service to the youth of our city, provided dedicated, self-less guidance and counsel to all those juveniles who appeared before the Board. Having worked as a counselor for DCYF in her professional life, Judy brought exceptional insight and understanding to our hearings. Paul’s understanding of kids developed through his years of teaching, coaching, and parenting enabled him to reason with those who have come before us as a result of their misdeeds.

Judy Biernacki and Paul Evans epitomize the true meaning of volunteer service.

As chairman of the Juvenile Hearing Board, I thank them for their tireless efforts and outstanding contributions to the Board, the juveniles who have appeared before us, and the city.

Jeffrey T. Miner

Chairman

Juvenile Hearing Board