Romani
The Madison County Veterans' Court has won a $10,000 national award.
The award was announced by Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis via press release Wednesday morning.
The award is one of six Paul H. Chapman awards given out each year by the Foundation for the Improvement of Justice.
"Since this court was established and has run without any additional funding, the $10,000 could not have come at a better time to assist with the day to day operation of the court," Callis said in the release.
Callis was notified of the award by Congressman John Shimkus who nominated the court for the award.
"I saw the success that the Veterans' Court was having and wanted to take the opportunity to share their story," Shimkus said in the release.
The Madison County Veterans' Court was established last year as an alternative court for veterans charged with certain offenses. The court works closely with other veterans' programs in the county and its personnel have military backgrounds.
Circuit Judge Charles Romani, a combat veteran from the Vietnam War, will travel to Atlanta to receive this award.
Romani presides over the Veterans' Court.
"I am very thankful that our court was nominated for this award," Romani said in the release. "I commend all of the participants of this court for their hard work in helping our United States Veterans, who are in trouble, get their lives back on track."