PCCD Presents Governor's Awards for Outstanding Citizen Crime Prevention

CAMP HILL, Pa., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eight individuals who have worked to prevent crime in their communities today received Governor's Citizen Crime Prevention Awards from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

In addition, a special award was given to a law enforcement officer who demonstrated outstanding dedication to crime prevention.

"Each award recipient deserves recognition and praise for their continued dedication to keeping our communities safe," said Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Chairman Walter M. Phillips Jr. "The assistance they provide to law enforcement plays a vital role in keeping our towns and cities safe from crime."

The awards were presented during an award ceremony hosted by PCCD at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill.

This year's Governor's citizen award recipients are: Sharon Autry, McNightstown; Mary Ann Casey, Willow Grove; Ann Marie DiMaio, Philadelphia; Jim Earley, Wilkes-Barre; Dewana Hall, York; Michael Mason, Langhorne; Harry Sonntag, Philadelphia; and Elsie Stevens, Philadelphia. In addition, Det. Charles Balogh Jr. of Mountaintop received the Crime Prevention Officer of the Year award.

PCCD is the state's leading agency for criminal justice policy issues, distributing state and federal funding to programs designed to prevent crime and strengthen communities. PCCD also provides essential support services to law enforcement agencies and offers financial support to victims of crime.

For more information, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us or call 717-705-0888.

Media contact: Tara Mead, 717-265-8470

Editor's Note: For biographical information on the award winners, visit http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/624896/2009govwinners_pdf