KDRV Staff
 
July 26, 2010
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - Two Southern Oregon correctional workers are receiving a prestigious annual award given to only a handful of Oregon Youth Authority workers.
 
Probation Officer Bill Bowers and Office Specialist Jill Hayes are the recipients of this year's OYA 'Coin' Award. Bowers works in Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties. Hayes works in Jackson County.
 
The award recognizes exemplary experience and services in the corrections agency. With deep budget cuts and staff layoffs, Bowers and Hays have had to extend their services and knowledge throughout Oregon.
 
"It feels really good to be recognized for putting in a little extra energy. But the other piece that I got to say is there is a lot of other POs out there that are more deserving that I am for this award," Bowers said.
 
Oregon budget cuts have reduced OYA to 82 juvenile parole officers statewide. They share the task of keeping tabs on nearly 2,000 youth. Each has a caseload averaging 25 youths.