By C1 Staff
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Criminal Justice recognized Lt. Travis Morris for 15 years of work in his Celebrate Recovery program during the annual Texas Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award Program.
The award recognizes volunteers across the state for their efforts to help inmates rehabilitate and change their lives.
“Receiving the award was an honor and definitely not something I would have thought I was eligible for with my health and being out of commission for a while. I’m very thankful for it,” Morris told the Palestine Herald.
During his time, Morris leaned on his faith as a primary source in helping inmates rehabilitate and prepare for life outside prison.
“I felt like it was my responsibility as a Christian to bring the word of God to the offenders so they could find God’s love,” Morris said.
Several inmates have participated in Morris’ program over the last seven years, and several have contacted him to let him know they are doing well and staying out of trouble.
“It makes me happy to know that can open and be honest about what’s going on in their lives,” Morris said. “Being able to open up about their hurts and know that it’s not going any further is what the program is all about.”
Morris began his career as a volunteer firefighter for 18 years with an additional 10 years of EMS service.