Watch Jefferson County

April 17, 2007

Nat Hughes - Chief of the Shannondale Patrol - was honored as the Jefferson County Department of Homeland Security Volunteer of the Year today at the National Conservation Training Center.

Nat receiving the award from Barbara Miller, Director of the Jefferson County Department of Homeland Security

From the nomination letter:

Nat has been Chief of the Shannondale Safety Patrol for the last 11 of the Patrol's 45 years and an active member for the past 20 years. He embodies the spirit of volunteerism, attention to neighborhood security and selfless contribution of time and financial support that make possible doing-more-with-less (or with virtually nothing). Homeland security in Nat's definition is not a service provided to him but one that he provides to others. Even now in his eighth decade he actively responds to security and safety calls on a 24-7 basis. Nat and his wife Diana, as is true for all members of the Patrol, serve without pay or recognition and solely from dedication to the welfare of the residents of his community and the County.

"Nat spends 40+ hours a week on vehicular patrol, call response, safety education and intelligence gathering activities for the Shannondale Safety Patrol."

Shannondale has over 70 miles of road and 1600+ families. It is a rugged area, irregularly laid out and posing a formidable navigation challenge for residents and visitors as well as annual threats of isolation for residents in bad weather situations. Until the advent of the countywide E-911 system few could find their way easily in Shannondale and it still remains difficult. It is in this setting that Nat and the other members of his Patrol frequently make all the difference in getting timely help to elderly, infirmed, injured, assaulted or otherwise threatened citizens who need assistance. This is especially true for emergency responders and Law Enforcement with whom the Patrol works closely. Nat spends 40+ hours a week on vehicular patrol, call response, safety education and intelligence gathering activities for the Shannondale Safety Patrol. He actively recruits quality members for and coordinates activities of the Patrol and solicits information from residents about safety/security problems that may not otherwise have been reported to state or county agencies. He maintains liaison with State and County Law Enforcement including some remarkable efforts to provide assistance to other areas in the County. He continuously monitors emergency radio communication and assists Law Enforcement when requested for surveillance and information about activity in the community. All of this is without compensation and at his personal expense. We believe this record of contribution and Nat's continuing personal gift to neighbors and the County merit recognition by this year's Volunteer of the Year Award. The Shannondale Safety Patrol could not continue without members who see the needs of their community and respond with time, effort, personal funding and imagination. Nat is THE outstanding and inspiring example of these principles.

Congratulations to Nat on this well deserved recognition! Nat is also one of the first and strongest supporters of Watch Jefferson County. Thank you Nat!