TDCJ News

29th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards

Kingwood Man Receives Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

TBCJ Chairman Eric Nichols, Martin Zinsitz, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier (L-R).

(AUSTIN) – Martin Zinsitz of Kingwood, Texas, was presented the Leonard Davis Award for Most Hours Served during the 29th Annual Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony today.

The award was presented by Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Eric Nichols, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (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,” Nichols said. “It is an honor to recognize them for their hard work and dedication.”

"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."

The award is named in recognition of Leonard Davis who passed away in 2009. He was the honored recipient of this award in 2005, 2007, 2008 and posthumously in 2010 when the award was re-named in his honor.

Zinsitz is a Certified Volunteer Chaplain Assistant who visits to the Polunsky Unit three times a week. He takes an active role in teaching and facilitating several programs including Bridges to Life, Life Application Class, Intercessory Prayer and Kairos. During Fiscal Year 2023, Zinsitz dedicated more than 1,400 hours of service to the inmates and staff at the Polunsky Unit.

Zinsitz was one of 22 individuals and organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those who are on parole or probation. They donate many hours of their personal time every year with the goal of changing lives.