Partnership honors law enforcement, teacher for superior work

MADISON – The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community organization recently recognized law enforcement personnel and an area teacher for their outstanding efforts.

The partnership has presented the awards for the past 20 years and delivered 2018 honors during its Oct. 25 board meeting:

* Outstanding Law Enforcement Recognition Award — Officer Joshua Collins, Madison Police Department; Deputy Wesley Jarrett, Madison County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Michael Parton, Madison County Sheriff’s Office; and Reta Garrison, Madison County Juvenile Probation Officer.

* Administrator Christy Ragucci — Madison-Morgan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency.

* Daniel Golden Memorial Award — Officer Zach Wilkerson, Huntsville Police Department.

* Gayle Owen Memorial Award — Librarian Laura Hauk, Madison County High School.

“The honorees help the mission of Partnership with their day-to-day efforts of working to keep our community as drug-free as possible, whether it’s by arresting people who are selling drugs or working with our youth to keep them on a positive, productive path,” spokesperson Wendy Reeves said.

Partnership’s mission is to coordinate alcohol and drug prevention, education and awareness services throughout Huntsville, Madison and all of Madison County. Donor contributions and grants from local, state and federal agencies primarily support the partnership.

Partnership efforts intend to reduce illegal use of drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, prescription pills, marijuana, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and inhalants among youth.

To achieve this goal, the partnership provides free home drug testing kits; Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders group; Community Resource Center; Speaker’s Bureau; Take Back Initiative; Legacy Fun Day; and town hall forums.

The partnership’s office is located at 2201 Clinton Ave. in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-539-7339 or email info@partnershipforadrugfreecommunity.org.