by Neil Richard
I was recently invited to attend a ceremony at the Sheriff's Office to see a young County resident receive an award. While Sheriff Dempsey asked to protect the privacy of those parties involved, especially since it involves minors, I felt it was necessary to share a positive and uplifting news story about the youth in our community. The desire was even stronger since October is National Bullying Prevention Month.
Without disclosing too much information about the incident that took place, and changing names to protect the parties involved, I'll do my best to set the scene. Luke, Anakin, and Han were gathered with other youngsters in the locker room after lightsaber practice. Anakin then began to bully Luke. Luke repeatedly told Anakin to stop but Anakin wouldn't listen. In steps Han who tells Anakin to stop. When Anakin doesn't, Han physically inserts himself between the two to protect Luke. Han pushes Anakin off Luke and out of the way but during the scuffle, Anakin hits Han. In following the lessons learned from the teachers at school, Han reports the incident.
Fast forward to the real-life ceremony at the Sheriff's Office Quarterly Meeting. Sheriff Dempsey stands before his Deputies and awards this young individual the See Something, Say Something Award. The award is given to anyone, or group of people, that see something wrong and tell someone about it. The award is typically given during the Quarterly Meeting so Deputies and other Sheriff's Office staff can be there as well as to provide a more private setting to protect those involved. At the ceremony, Sheriff Dempsey said the awardee "removed the assailant" and saved the victim from further bullying. Sheriff Dempsey also said that because of their actions they made school a "safer place for all students" and was honored to award them for their "courage and heroic action."
And just like the end of the original Star Wars movie, our young hero received a standing ovation from the Deputies in the audience. Well deserved recognition for somebody doing the right thing.
I was recently invited to attend a ceremony at the Sheriff's Office to see a young County resident receive an award. While Sheriff Dempsey asked to protect the privacy of those parties involved, especially since it involves minors, I felt it was necessary to share a positive and uplifting news story about the youth in our community. The desire was even stronger since October is National Bullying Prevention Month.
Without disclosing too much information about the incident that took place, and changing names to protect the parties involved, I'll do my best to set the scene. Luke, Anakin, and Han were gathered with other youngsters in the locker room after lightsaber practice. Anakin then began to bully Luke. Luke repeatedly told Anakin to stop but Anakin wouldn't listen. In steps Han who tells Anakin to stop. When Anakin doesn't, Han physically inserts himself between the two to protect Luke. Han pushes Anakin off Luke and out of the way but during the scuffle, Anakin hits Han. In following the lessons learned from the teachers at school, Han reports the incident.
Fast forward to the real-life ceremony at the Sheriff's Office Quarterly Meeting. Sheriff Dempsey stands before his Deputies and awards this young individual the See Something, Say Something Award. The award is given to anyone, or group of people, that see something wrong and tell someone about it. The award is typically given during the Quarterly Meeting so Deputies and other Sheriff's Office staff can be there as well as to provide a more private setting to protect those involved. At the ceremony, Sheriff Dempsey said the awardee "removed the assailant" and saved the victim from further bullying. Sheriff Dempsey also said that because of their actions they made school a "safer place for all students" and was honored to award them for their "courage and heroic action."
And just like the end of the original Star Wars movie, our young hero received a standing ovation from the Deputies in the audience. Well deserved recognition for somebody doing the right thing.
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