Inmates from the Quehanna Boot Camp recently donated a painting in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, announced District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.
According to Shaw, the inmates competed in a painting contest that focused on the theme of strength, resilience and justice. The winning painting was selected by staff members at the boot camp and donated for permanent display at the Clearfield County Courthouse.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Churner served as the security lieutenant at the boot camp for 10 years. He retired as a captain from the Department of Corrections.
“This painting reflects the efforts of the Quehanna Boot Camp to encourage inmates to recognize the harm they have done not only to crime victims, but also to themselves and their families,” Churner stated.
Churner added: “Enabling inmates to take responsibility for their actions is a critical step toward rehabilitation.”
According to Churner, the goal of the Quehanna Boot Camp is to motivate offenders to prevent further criminal conduct, and this painting goes a long way toward achieving that goal.
Shaw stated that the inmates have clearly given this painting some thought. He pointed out it captured fire, wings and a scale.
According to Shaw, the fire represented strength: intensity/power of resisting attacks. The wings represented resilience/possessing power of recovery. The scale represented justice/quality of just, rectitude and integrity.
Shaw thanked Quehanna Boot Camp Commander, Mary Natoli, for encouraging inmates to participate in a meaningful contest that promotes rehabilitation.
Shaw stated that the painting will be displayed in the Office of Victim Witness Advocate, and he encouraged the community to stop in and see this very meaningful work of art.
Anyone with knowledge or information about a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700.
All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”
