The Board of Parole (BOP), the Department of Correction (TDOC) and the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) are planting trees in 10 communities across the state this week to honor victims of crime and recognize the advocates who work with them. At the Murfreesboro event, recently retired District Attorney General William Whitesell was honored with the Voice for Victims Award for more than two decades of work on behalf of crime victims in the 16th Judicial District in Rutheford and Cannon Counties
Whitesell is currently serving an interim appointment as Executive Director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.
Chris Parnell, brother of 2013 murder victim Carla Dillard-Pearman, delivered the keynote address. Parole Board Chairman Richard Montgomery said the annual tree planting events are a reminder to the public that crime victims play a key role in the criminal justice process. “Trees represent crime victims because they are strong and resilient. They may bend, but they rarely break. In that way, they demonstrate the steadfastness of people who have experienced crime — but refuse to be beaten by it.”
TDOC Commissioner Derrick Schofield agreed. “This year’s theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is Empowering Victims — Engaging Communities.
It is a reminder that providing services to crime victims helps them heal, and makes our communities safer.”
TRICOR Chief Executive Officer Patricia Weiland’s agency provides markers for each tree. “As people pass these trees in years to come, it’s important that they know why they were planted and who they honor. The trees are a symbol of the need to assist crime victims as they rebuild their lives.”
The event took place at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
Additional tree planting events are taking place this week in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Jackson, Cookeville, Dickson, Lawrenceburg and Elizabethton
