East Texas women receive governor’s volunteer awards for serving inmates

Robbie Heriman
·2 min read

AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) – Two women from East Texas were recognized by the state, awarded for their volunteer service for inmates.

Smith County auctioning off surplus vehicles, equipment online

According to a release, on April 26 at the Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony Lori Riggs, of Winnsboro, was awarded with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Employee Volunteer Award and Jeanie Frasier, of Lindale, was posthumously awarded the Religious Service Award.

According to TDCJ, the awards were presented by Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott, Texas Board of Criminal Justice chairman Eric Nichols, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice executive director Bryan Collier.

  • TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols, Lori Riggs, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier (L-R), courtesy of The Texas Department of Criminal Justice
    TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols, Lori Riggs, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier (L-R), courtesy of The Texas Department of Criminal Justice
  • TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols, Kyle Frasier (on behalf of Jennie Frasier), Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TDCJ Executive Director (L-R), courtesy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
    TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols, Kyle Frasier (on behalf of Jennie Frasier), Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TDCJ Executive Director (L-R), courtesy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice

The release said that Riggs volunteers to provide substance use counseling to incarcerated women and that she and the Discipleship Unlimited volunteers built a curriculum for the women focusing on how to be successful after incarceration, have healthy relationships, financial responsibility and relapse prevention.

“These volunteers are true heroes,” Collier said. “Their compassion and commitment make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of many Texans. TDCJ, and the entire state, is better because of their service.”

According to TDCJ, Frasier spent five years with the Calvary Commission and would travel three hours each way to serve inmates with spiritual guidance.

“These award recipients, by volunteering countless hours, are helping to build a better Texas for themselves and everyone whose lives they touch,” Nichols said. “It is an honor to recognize them for their hard work and dedication.”

Texas Game Wardens seize more than $100,000 of equipment at Sam Rayburn lake bass tournament

According to TDCJ, Riggs and Frasier were two of 22 individuals and organizations recognized for “their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole and probation.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.