BRAZIL– The Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch (ISYR) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Volunteer of the Year awards: Kelli Searing of Brazil, Ind., and Joe Price of Beech Grove, Ind. Both were recognized for their tireless dedication to supporting the ranch’s mission of mentoring future law enforcement officers and engaging with Indiana youth.
Each year, ISYR organizes a variety of community events, including Sheriff & Police Cadet Academies, Sheriffs’ Easter Egg Hunts, Sheriffs’ Pumpkin Painting Parties, and Sheriffs’ Breakfasts With Santa. These events, which reach about 2,000 Hoosier children annually, require countless hours of planning and preparation. According to Scott Minier, executive director of ISYR, the success of these programs would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of volunteers like Searing and Price.
“Planning, preparing for, and hosting these annual events take hundreds of hours,” said Minier. “Without the reliable help of dozens of volunteers, ISYR could not mentor future law enforcement officers and bond with so many Hoosier kids. Kelli and Joe have been pivotal in making these events a success.”
Kelli Searing, a retired employee of the Indiana Department of Correction, became involved with ISYR after witnessing firsthand the negative impacts of crime on people’s lives. For the past four years, she has been a constant presence at almost every ISYR event, as well as in planning and hosting activities. Minier emphasized the importance of role models like Searing for young female student leaders, highlighting her significant impact on the youth in the program.
Joe Price, a commercial motor carrier, has also been a long-time volunteer firefighter. Price is known for his dedication to maintaining and preparing ISYR’s 62-acre training retreat, which is used for training future law enforcement officers and hosting other visitors. Minier also noted Price’s involvement in developing the Fire & EMS Cadet Academy, an ISYR program that aims to address the needs of urban, suburban, and rural departments.
Both Searing and Price will receive plaques, dinners, and Youth Ranch clothing as part of their recognition. “I know our sheriffs, deputies, parents, and grandparents all join us in thanking them,” said Minier. “Indiana needs more volunteers like Kelli Searing and Joe Price to help develop the next generation of law enforcement officers and public safety professionals.”
The Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch continues to rely on dedicated volunteers to ensure its programs thrive, helping to nurture the next generation of law enforcement leaders and provide valuable experiences for young people across the state.
