Retiring probation officer receives award

The longest-serving probation officer in St. Joseph County’s history is the recipient of the 2017 St. Joseph County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award.
Steve Wilson, who is retiring following a 40-year career as a probation officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections, was announced Thursday as the winner of the award, first given in May 1985.
A Sturgis resident, Wilson was deemed to best meet the criteria established for Liberty Bell recipients, including encouraging a greater respect for the law and the courts. The award is presented to a non-lawyer, organization or individual within the county.
Wilson joined the county in 1980 as one of two probation agents. Today, the probation and parole staff comprises 15 members. He has been the designated probation agent for Circuit Court’s Swift and Sure, and its Drug Court programs, and District Court’s Sobriety Court innovation.
He was honored during a ceremony on Monday (5-1-17) in the courtroom of Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman.
Wilson’s last day of employment was Friday (5-28-17).