Employee of the Year Awards
Western Region Jail Association Awards
Welcome to the Western Region Jail Association Awards page! Here we celebrate the outstanding contributions of civilian employees, officers, and supervisors who go above and beyond in their roles within our member agencies.
The Western Region Jail Association is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2027 Civilian Employee of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year awards.
Deadline for these submissions is TBD 2027
Civilian Employee of the Year
Our Civilian Employee of the Year award recognizes the exceptional work and dedication of non-uniformed staff within the Western Region Jail Association. These individuals play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities and the welfare of those within them. From administrative support to maintenance, their efforts contribute significantly to the success of our organizations.
Officer of the Year
The Officer of the Year award honors the exemplary service and commitment of our uniformed officers. These individuals demonstrate outstanding professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the safety and well-being of both their colleagues and the incarcerated population. Their tireless efforts contribute to maintaining a secure and orderly environment within our facilities.
Supervisor of the Year
Supervisors play a crucial role in leading and guiding their teams to success. The Supervisor of the Year award recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to their staff and the mission of the Western Region Jail Association. These individuals inspire others through their actions and commitment to excellence.
Committee Members:
David Hollandsworth
Committee Chair
Western Regional Jail
David.Hollandsworth@wvarj.orgErnie Alley
Committee Member
New River Valley Regional Jail
ealley@nrvrj.orgMackenzie Trenar
Committee Member
New River Valley Regional Jail
mctrenar@nrvrj.orgSonya Whitley-Watts
Committee Member
Blue Ridge Regional Jail
swhitley-watts@brrja.state.va.us
All submissions or questions should be sent to Committee Chair David.Hollandsworth@
Nominations for the Civilian Employee of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year awards are now open. If you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions, we encourage you to submit a nomination by TBD 2027. Nomination form available 2027.
Award recipients will be honored during the WRJA Annual Conference Dinner the evening of TBD 2027. We hope you will join us in recognizing the incredible individuals who go above and beyond in our profession.