On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Deborah Kesler, Juvenile Chief Probation Officer from Vigo County was presented the Founder’s Award.
The Founder’s Award was established in 2014 to recognize line probation officers who have performed their duties in an outstanding manner and /or made significant contributions to the field of probation at the local, regional or national level. The recipient may also have brought credit or honor to the profession of probation through participation or involvement in community activities or programs.
Chief Kesler has been a probation officer for 42 years and 36 of those as chief of the department. She was awarded the Woman of the Year by the Tribune Star for her work with developing a successful Truancy Court. In 1999 she was selected by the Indiana Correctional Association as Probation Officer of the Year and received the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal in 2000 from the Sons of the American Revolution.
She is a team player, always willing to lend a hand, well respected, supportive of future professionals, a visionary and dedicated. Two years ago she helped start a Juvenile Drug Court, which was only the 3rd of its type in Indiana to become certified to provide more focus and resources to the problem of juvenile substance abuse. She has earned a reputation for impeccable integrity and is universally admired for her honesty.
Magistrate Daniel Kelly stated “I have witnessed first-hand the difference Ms. Kesler has made in countless lives in her 42 year career serving Vigo County juveniles and cannot imagine anyone more deserving of the Founder’s Award as she prepares to end her illustrious and fruitful career.”
Congratulations Deborah!