TDCJ News

28th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Temple Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TBCJ Chairman Patrick O'Daniel, Leroy Cruz, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier.

(AUSTIN) – Leroy Cruz of Temple, Texas, was presented the award for Extensive Travel during the Governor’s 2023 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards program today.

The award was presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Patrick O’Daniel and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier at a ceremony in Austin.

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

“It takes a very special kind of person to give of their time and expect no material reward,” said Collier. “These volunteers are invaluable to us and have made a lasting impact through their contributions to the public safety of all Texans.”

Leroy Cruz travels approximately 241 miles from Temple to the Diboll Unit at least six times per month in order to minister to the various needs of the inmates. He leads the Toastmasters program which is an internationally recognized organization focused on producing quality public speakers. He also leads a Bible study on weekends and a monthly worship service focusing on the important character qualities that he knows will lead to success in the ‘free world’. A former inmate at the Diboll Unit, Mr. Cruz knows what type of character the men must have to be successful. He always fulfills his commitments and is willing to pick up any openings that become available. Mr. Cruz has traveled over 19,000 miles through his volunteerism.

Mr. Cruz is one of 23 individuals and organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole and probation. They donate many hours of their personal time every year with the goal of changing the lives of convicted inmates while aiding and comforting their victims.

In FY2022, there were 23,376 volunteers who provided a total of 146,649 hours of service.

Note to media: For more information, contact Robert Hurst at (936) 437-6052 or by e-mail at robert_hurst@tdcj.texas.gov.