Waltham Democrats Announce Trio Of Heroes Award Winners

News release from Waltham Democratic City Committee.

The Waltham Democratic City Committee (WDCC) proudly announces its selections for the 2023 Heroes Awards. Last week, WDCC voted to honor one individual and two organizations with their prestigious, annual Heroes Award. The individual award will go to Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, and the organizational/ institutional awards will go to the Waltham branch of Charles River Community Health and to the Community Day Center of Waltham.

Each year, the WDCC honors heroes who distinguish themselves by serving our community, promoting democratic values and making Waltham a great city in which to live. It offers This year’s heroes, will be presented their awards at a celebration in their honor. The event is scheduled for April 28 and will be held at the American Legion Post 156. Further details on the event will be released soon.

Sheriff Peter Koutoujian was nominated in recognition of his extraordinary, innovative management of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office. He has earned distinction for his imaginative programs, his research-based work to reduce recidivism, and his commitment to common sense firearms reform and other public safety concerns. A tribute to his professional commitment, Sheriff Koutoujian was elected by his statewide and national peers to serve as both the President of Major County Sheriffs of America and the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association.

Celebrating 50 years since opening, Charles River Community Health is being recognized for delivery of comprehensive, integrated, and equitable primary healthcare services to families and individuals in the community. It had outgrown its Waltham facility in recent years, so it opened its new 19,000 square foot healthcare center to better meet the needs of patients. Charles River Community Health provides services to over 13,000 patients annually, including many of the most vulnerable and financially challenged members of our community.

To round out this year’s slate of heroes, the Community Day Center of Waltham is also being recognized for its ongoing service to Waltham’s most vulnerable and challenged population. Operating from a newly opened facility, Community Day Center of Waltham provides day shelter and vital support services to adults experiencing homelessness. In their mission statement, they strive to create a safe, judgment-free culture that is grounded in hospitality, compassion and mutual respect.

All three Heroes Awards exemplify the courage, compassion and empathetic intelligence our community thrives on. They will receive their awards at the aforementioned celebratory event on April 28.