Officer’s Dedication To Youth Earns Angel Award
Published: November 8, 2005
He’s saved the lives of countless Detroit kids. Now, one of Detroit’s own protectors of the streets is rewarded for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Detroit police Officer Geoffrey Townsend received the 2005 Grand Angel Award on Friday. The Caring for Children Angel Award is a recognition program that awards an individual for extraordinary volunteer efforts that help to improve the lives of children.
The award was given to Townsend for his founding of the Detroit organization, Reality Check.
Reality Check is a prevention program set up by Townsend that helps to assist in the redirection of at-risk youth from the criminal justice system, according to a press release from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, sponsors of the event.
Townsend reaches out to at-risk youth, ages 6 to 14, according to Local 4. He uses a variety of educational, social and behavioral programs that include a 12-week-long military-based boot camp.
“Most of the children that we see coming through the program are missing some of their role models,” said Townsend.
Townsend was without a father in his teen years and, at times, without a mother, too, Local 4’s Rhonda Walker reported. Townsend told Local 4 that most of the children in his program may also be without a parent or adult mentor.
Presented annually, Blue Cross Blue Shield awards one Grand Angel recipient the Grand Angel trophy and a $5,000 donation for the recipient’s organization. In addition, five finalists are chosen to receive a trophy and $1,000 for their nonprofit organization.
Townsend was chosen from the nearly 100 nominees this year.
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