BRAZIL – Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch leaders named Indianapolis westsiders Alan and Suzanne Driver as “Volunteers of the Year.”
“We are blessed with dozens of youth and adult volunteers,” said Vigo County Sheriff and ISYR President John Plasse, “but Alan and Suzanne Driver are at the core of every youth training, project, and event.”
Alan Driver is a retired sergeant from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. His 40-year career also included years at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office before its partial merger with the Indianapolis Police Department. Driver’s assignments ranged from motorcycle traffic enforcement to SWAT, dignitary protection to homicide investigations. He now volunteers as a Cloverdale, Ind. deputy marshal, helping the town with special events.
Suzanne Driver currently works for Franciscan Health, where, for 21 years, she served in the Outpatient Behavioral Health department. In 2021, she transferred to Franciscan Health’s Credentialing Department. Previously, Suzanne worked for 20 years for American Trans Air (ATA), specializing in flight crew training and international traffic rights.
In addition to ISYR and the town of Cloverdale, the Drivers also volunteer with Special Olympics of Indiana and Hendricks County Special Olympics, assisting athletes, including their special needs daughter, Samantha, who excels at cornhole, bowling and basketball.
“Alan and Suzanne offer our Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch a unique skill set when it comes to training and hosting students of all ages and backgrounds,” said Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroeder, ISYR board secretary. “From our AT&T Sheriffs’ Reward Retreats for At-Risk Kids to our Garmong Construction Services Sheriff & Police Cadet Academy, from our Yankee Rose Nursery Sheriffs’ Pumpkin Painting Parties to our Lowe’s Home Improvement and Clay County Optimist Club Sheriffs’ Breakfast With Santa, the Drivers help our sponsors and organization make it all happen.”
John Jones, ISYR treasurer and owner of John Jones Auto Group across Southeast Indiana pointed to “Mr. and Mrs. Driver’s servants’ hearts and personal sacrifices. It is not uncommon for them to spot a need—a repair or piece of equipment, seasonal decorations, kid-proofing the property, or extra adult supervision—and they step in and take care of it. Suzanne almost missed celebrating her birthday because it fell during our recent Cadet Academy. They have a huge family to tend to, but they’re also the mother and father of our Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch.”
The Drivers make their home in Wayne Township of Marion County. They are parents of 7 adult children, 20 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Driver family members also visit and volunteer at ISYR as their busy schedules allow.
ISYR offers K-college youth training on first aid, personal safety, substance abuse, domestic violence, and firearm safety. While at the 62-acre training retreat in West Central Indiana’s Clay County, students may swim, fish, kayak, canoe, hike, fly drones, handle K-9s, and ride ATVs.
For more information on ISYR, email ScottMinier@yahoo.com or call 317-460-4242
