From the
SanBenito.com.
SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. – December 13,
2024 – The Chief Probation Officers of
California recently introduced the Joseph Frontella Award for
Distinguished Service in Institutions, an honor recognizing
“exceptional contributions to juvenile institutions across the
state,” says a press release from the Chief Probation Officers of
California.
The award celebrates the legacy of former San Benito County
Probation Chief Joseph “Joe” Frontella, whose lifelong commitment
to the service of others profoundly impacted the local community
and the probation profession throughout California, says the
press release.
The inaugural Joseph Frontella Award will be presented to Kilee
Willson, Juvenile Hall Division Director for Sonoma County
Probation, at this year’s awards ceremony.
Frontella, who retired in 2023 after 28 years of dedicated
service to the field of probation, passed away on Feb 29, 2024,
following a bicycle accident, says the press release. Known for
his unwavering compassion and dedication to youth and community,
Frontella’s loss was deeply felt by all who knew him.
“The Joseph Frontella Award is a tribute to an extraordinary
leader whose values continue to inspire California’s probation
professionals,” said Chief Kelly Vernon, President of CPOC and
Tulare County Chief Probation Officer. “Chief Frontella
exemplified compassion, mentorship and innovative leadership.
Through this award, we honor his memory and ensure his
contributions are never forgotten.”
Frontella’s career was defined by his quiet strength, resilience
and an unrelenting drive to create opportunities for
justice-involved youth, says the press release. As Chief
Probation Officer, he worked to guide young people toward
positive pathways while mentoring colleagues and fostering a
culture of integrity and fairness. His deep commitment to
justice, community and collaboration left an enduring mark
on the probation field.
“Chief Frontella’s impact on San Benito County and our probation
department cannot be overstated,” said Chief Ashlyn Canez, Chief
Probation Officer of San Benito County. “His visionary leadership
set the foundation for countless transformative programs that
continue to serve our youth and families today.
“Chief Frontella believed in the power of compassion and
collaboration, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he
mentored and the lives he helped change. The Joseph Frontella
Award is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary contributions and
a reminder of the standards he set for all of us in this
field.”
The new annual award is bestowed upon a probation department
staff member working in a juvenile institution who embodies
Frontella’s qualities, according to the press release, including
leadership; compassion and empathy; dedication to justice;
innovation and mentorship.
The award presentation to Willson will take place during the
annual ceremony hosted by CPOC, where probation professionals
gather to celebrate the achievements of their peers and honor the
memory of a man whose life exemplified service, justice and hope,
says the press release.
….
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here.