Gisch Recognized by Sheriff's Office for Volunteerism

Annandale resident Robert Gisch was one of 300 active Adult Detention Center volunteers recognized by the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office at a luncheon on Thursday, April 19.

According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office, Gisch received special recognition for his volunter service in education.

“I believe that you are very special individuals,” said Sheriff Stan Barry, who was quoted in the news release. “The average person never thinks about people in the county jail. If they did, they would think about punishment and retribution. But you see people…people that need help, people that need guidance, people that need encouragement. You see the opportunity to help them save their own lives.”

Other volunteers recognized for their outstanding service include James Kennedy from Vienna for his service in opportunities, alternatives and resources, Elmer Thomas from Fairfax Station for his service in the chaplain’s office and Bruce Potter from Chantilly for his service in alcohol and drug services.

Barry told the volunteers that Sheriff’s deputies ensure that inmates know the rules and the consequences of not following the rules. "At the same time," he said, "we need someone to say to the people in jail, 'I believe in you. You are a valuable person.' That’s what a volunteer does."

During the luncheon, Barry also thanked 24 local businesses for their donations for the door prizes for the volunteers.

The volunteers at the Adult Detention Center help provide the inmates with help in areas such as life skills, job skills and more. There were over 6,500 classes offered in 2011 and the volunteers contributed more than 13,000 hours, according to the news release.