Local Probation Officer Receives Order of Augustus Award

Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall, Starke County Chief Probation Officer John Thorstad and Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush
Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall, Starke County Chief Probation Officer John Thorstad and Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush

The Chief Probation Officer of the Starke County Probation Department recently received a prestigious state award.

John Thorstad is this year’s recipient of the Order of Augustus Award in the memory of John Augustus, who is known as the “Father of Probation.” Augustus started the rehabilitation movement in corrections.

Thorstad was nominated by his staff. His nomination was then voted on by the Probation Officers Advisory Board, which is a branch of the Indiana Supreme Court.
The award is given to one probation officer in the state each year.

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