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Sheriff Hunter honored for community work
Collier County Sheriff Don Hunter
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It was mid-December when Collier County sheriff’s deputies discovered nine children alone in a garbage-filled Immokalee apartment after their parents abandoned them and traveled to Haiti.
The children were sent to live in a Youth Haven cottage, where a number of deputies and their family members helped take care of them over Christmas, Collier Sheriff Don Hunter said.
Hunter said that case was a perfect example of his agency working together with Youth Haven, Collier County’s only emergency shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children.
It was because of his work on behalf of Collier County children that Youth Haven honored Hunter on Thursday afternoon with its annual Frances Pew Hayes Child Advocate of the Year Award. About 100 people attended a $75 luncheon in Hunter’s honor at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, 896 River Point Drive.
“Since he’s stepping down as sheriff at the end of this year, we thought this would be the perfect time to thank him for the work that he has done on behalf of children,” Youth Haven Executive Director Ronald McSwiney said.
McSwiney cited Hunter’s work targeting gangs and his establishment of youth camps as examples of the sheriff’s work with children.
“This is an extraordinary event to recognize an extraordinary man that has meant so much to Youth Haven and meant so much to the county,” McSwiney said.
The event ran from 11:30 a.m. to about 1 p.m. in a dining room with swirly blue carpets overlooking Naples Bay. After lunch, which included a salad, a chicken breast, and angel food cake, Florida State Sen. Burt Saunders introduced Hunter.
“Ron (McSwiney) approached me maybe a month ago and said that they wished to do this,” Hunter said. “I said, ‘that would be very kind and a great distinction.’”
Hunter, who serves on Youth Haven’s board of trustees, said he’s always cared about youth services. But Hunter said he would only accept the honor on one condition.
“I told Ron that really I will accept it, but only for the agency I represent,” Hunter told the crowd.
It is the fourth time Youth Haven has presented the award. The previous recipients are philanthropist Lavern Norris Gaynor, 2005; philanthropists Arlene and Jerry F. Nichols, 2006; and children’s advocate Pat Barton, 2007.
“I think it’s important to recognize the people that have really made a difference regarding child abuse and neglect,” McSwiney said. “Money has very little to do with it. It all has to do with the kind of work they’re doing in the county.”
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"...swirly blue carpet"
That's some fine journalism in this here paper.
Get some reporters!
#1 Posted by nickm on May 8, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
www.ramboskforsheriff.com
#2 Posted by sunnidaz on May 8, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So basically Hunter was honored for doing his job?
#3 Posted by Jadip811 on May 8, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems so, Jadip.....What perplexes me is that these type of awards go to people who can bring a lot of money to the organization. Look at the previous "winners". These type of affairs are fundraisers for great causes.
Hunter can bring in the big dollars? Judging by the letters to the editor in the paper, Hunter is not the most popular person in the county.
Does Youth Haven need his clout in the future?
#4 Posted by volochine on May 9, 2008 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL It would probably be in Youth Havens best interests to stay in Hunters good graces until he leaves his throne I imagine. Plus unless someone reputable steps up to the plate soon Rambosk will most likely fill Hunters boots.
Stay in Hunters good graces = staying in Rambosk's good graces. Like two peas in a pod.
#5 Posted by Jadip811 on May 9, 2008 at 5:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Give him the Pee Wee Edison award for creativity.
#6 Posted by bullhalsey on May 9, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
give it a break huh?
#7 Posted by dixielee on May 9, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
since sunnidaz started it: http://www.electortino.com
#8 Posted by knowmyrights on May 9, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is one lame web site and an even lamer candidate.
What would you find there, but a bad web site and a bunch of lies from a whining candidate pushed by his wife to run for office since she failed miserably?
#9 Posted by sunnidaz on May 9, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I checked out all the candidates Web sites and Rambosk BY FAR has the best Web site- even has a blog. Using his education and experience and technology Rambosk is the one to keep us safe in Collier County. What will Ortino use, his black belt?
http://www.ramboskforsheriff.com
#10 Posted by scottape on May 9, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HUNTER DOES HIS JOB AND GETS AN AWARD? THIS IS PRETTY MESSED UP!I THINK THIS IS A VERY GOOD TIME TO THANK HIM FOR RETIRING, NOT FOR DOING HIS JOB!!!!
#11 Posted by citygirl on May 9, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Im sorry but did Don Hunter give this award to himself? I dont think so. So why is everyone condeming him for being the recipient of the award? Don has given many years to Collier County so what if he receives a little recognician for it. It is almost like saying that since you did your job well you shouldnt receive a raise or promotion since it was your job. A little carrot here and there doesnt hurt anyone. Lets all make sure today we dont thank anyone for a job well done or their help, afterall it is their job to do it and it should all be thankless.
#12 Posted by yaddayadda on May 9, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"messed up" what does that mean, citygirl? Great argument...
Got that GED in jail, huh?
#13 Posted by sunnidaz on May 9, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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