Probation Officer of the Year
Award Renamed to Honor the Service of Steven Paul Gitlin, II
On November 2, 2021, having just left his office in the First Judicial Circuit, Steven was involved in a fatal car accident leaving behind a loving family to include his wife and two children. Described by his friends, colleagues and community as a selfless individual who tirelessly worked to assist in bettering the lives of others, Steven continues to be deeply missed by those who knew him best.
Immediately prior to the 2022 Educational Conference, upon the recommendation of First Judicial Circuit Chief Probation Officer Terry Stuck - Steven's friend and immediate supervisor - the WVAPO Board unanimously voted to rename the Probation Officer of the Year Award to honor Steve's service to the community and to the Court.
The nominee and the nomination
Each year, the WVAPO membership is called upon to nominate a fellow probation officer to be awarded the PO of the Year. This award serves as a way to honor and acknowledge a fellow officer's hard work and dedication to the Courts and to his/her community.
Once the nomination period has closed, a panel (of randomly selected WVAPO members) is created to review the nominations. Upon review and consideration, the panel votes and selects the recipient.
During conference years, the award is presented to the selected person during the Awards Luncheon. On off-conference years, members of the WVAPO Board travel to a prearranged location to present the award.
Want to nominate a fellow PO?
Nominations are now being accepted through August 16, 2024.
A few things to note:
1. The nominee must be a member of the WVAPO
2. Please be sure to provide detailed information explaining the impetus for the nomination. Please click on the "download" button below for the nomination form.
3. Please submit your nomination by no later than 11:59pm on August 16, 2024. Nominations submitted after the deadline will NOT be considered.