November 25, 2008
EDITORS: The following for immediate release. If you have any questions contact Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh at 610 344-6850.
Chester County Republican Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh
Receives 2008 Crime Prevention Award
From Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
WEST CHESTER _ The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded the 2008 Crime Prevention Award to Chester County Republican Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh.
“This award recognizes the outstanding work done by everyone in my office,” said Welsh. “We’re pro-active in stopping some of the problems that lead to juvenile crime.”
The Chester County Sheriff’s Office was the first in the nation to implement a “Bullying Hurts” program. The program, from Grey Bull, Wyoming, was created by nationally known rodeo clown “Starvin Marvin.”
The award is given by the commission and the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association and recognizes the importance and contributions made by a sheriff in the realm of community crime prevention efforts.
Commission Executive Director Michael Kane presented the award to Welsh during the President’s Banquet at the 86th annual Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association.
Welsh has served as Chester County Sheriff since 2000 and is a member of the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association. Welsh has supported a number of community-based crime prevention efforts, including D.A.R.E; the “Think Safe” program, which provides young children with an action plan in the event of a dangerous situation; and “Shop With a Cop,” where sheriff deputies volunteer their time during the holiday season to help underprivileged children buy gifts for their loved ones.
“She revolutionized the sheriff’s office and has given us pride in ourselves and each other,” stated Chief of Staff Maureen Beitler of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. “She is highly respected and regarded by other sheriffs, police, and law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Welsh inspires us to do our best. She works hard and leads by example.”
Welsh is the first woman to be elected sheriff in Chester County and is one of only 40 female sheriffs in the nation. She is also the first to be elected president of a class at the National Sheriffs Institute at the Department of Corrections in Longmont, Colorado. She is first vice president of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association.