County gets VALE grant

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has received a $54,000 grant from the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) Board that will help cover the costs of a Victims Service Advocate position. The Board of County Commissioners approved the terms of the contract to accept the grant earlier this month.

The grants assist the Sheriff’s Office in providing expertise and skill in victim assistance, including on-scene crisis intervention, follow-up contact and information or referrals. The program provides 24-hour access to trained professionals to assist victims and witnesses of crime and trauma in obtaining the support and education necessary to overcome their victimization. Under Colorado State Statures Victim’s Bills of Rights, the sheriff is required to provide these services.

The VALE grant will cover 76 percent of one full-time position, with the rest covered by county funds. The VALE grant covers about 14 percent of the entire Victim Services Unit budget.

Judge nominees announced

The First Judicial District Nominating Commission has nominated six candidates for two Jefferson County Courts judgeships.

The nominees are Harold Sargent and Thomas Walsh, both of Lakewood; Joel Schaefer and AnnMarie Spain, both of Arvada; Ryan Stuart of Littleton; and Jean Woodford of unincorporated Jefferson County. They were selected in a meeting June 27. Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from June 28 to appoint two of the nominees as county court judges for Jefferson County. Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at judicial.appointments@state.co.us.