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May 1, 2010

Jefferson Awards: Sisters win for work honoring late brother

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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PLAINS TWP. – On June 23, 2003, officer Rodney Pocceschi with the Virginia Beach Special Operations Unit was shot in the line of duty.

He died hours later on June 24.

News of his death could have devastated most families, but for his sisters Gina and Jacci it served as motivation to ensure they could prevent local families from dealing with the death of a loved one in the line of duty.

Their efforts were recognized Monday when they were selected as the recipients of the 2009 Jefferson Award for the greater Luzerne County region.

The sisters started the Fallen Officers Remembered organization. Among the charity’s endeavors are raising funds to provide scholarships to criminal justice students and bullet-proof vests to local police officers who didn’t have one or have an outdated or improperly fitting one. In less than six years, Gina Pocceschi Boyle, 43, of Sweet Valley, and Jacci Pocceschi Mosley, 41, of Laurel Run, have raised $100,000 and donated 76 fitted vests to officers with departments throughout Luzerne, Lackawanna and Columbia counties.

Jacci said the gesture is “one step toward (officers) being able to come home to their family.”

“They’re given a better chance at living,” she added.

Though their brother was wearing a bullet-proof vest – he was shot in an unprotected area under the arm – they said they heard from too many police officers that vests were sorely needed. So they set off on their mission.

Gina said not a day goes by they don’t think of their brother, who died at age 33. The sisters said they don’t want other families to go through what they have.

As their names were read as the winners, Jacci cupped her mouth with her hand and held back tears. Gina put her arm around her sister as they walked up together. Hearing the 21 other semifinalists and their accomplishments, the sisters said they did not expect to be chosen.

“We were amazed because so many people do such wonderful work here,” said Gina, gesturing out to the Grand Ballroom at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, where about 188 gathered for the luncheon and award ceremony.

The room was full of volunteers, some of whom were recognized for offering their time as firefighters, with organizations that help the blind, cemetery associations, or other important and time-consuming efforts.

Former first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis helped found the American Institute for Public Service in 1972 to create a Nobel Prize for public and community service. The national organization developed a regionalized program in 1980 when media partners were added. The Times Leader became a regional media partner in 2005.

This fifth annual event, sponsored by The Times Leader, Entercom Communications and Fox 56 TV, is intended to inspire others to volunteer in their communities as they work to make the world a better place.

Previous regional winners of the Jefferson Awards include Robert Hughes of Plymouth Township, Trina Moss of Duryea, Charlotte Raup of Wilkes-Barre and Douglas Ayers of the Noxen area.

Richard L. Connor, editor and publisher of The Times Leader, served as master of ceremonies. Speaking of the newspaper’s commitment to recognize those for their efforts, he said, “A newspaper is in a unique position to acknowledge all the good in a community, particularly volunteerism by our neighbors. We consider our sponsorship and participation an honor. A day such as this restores faith in humanity globally and our friends and family locally.”

Hannah Beach, at 20 years old the youngest of those recognized Monday, said she was honored to be among such an esteemed group of volunteers. The Wilkes-Barre resident and King’s College student was diagnosed while a student at Meyers High School with Ankylosing spondylitis, an incurable auto-immune system disease that attacks the joints and spine. She started a group for other adolescents and teens suffering from chronic-pain diseases to meet and discuss their problems and treatments.

She said she was surprised to be nominated at such a young age and for doing something she said was natural. She promised to continue volunteering her time in the future and won’t rest on her laurels.

“It’s just the beginning,” Beach said.

The rest of the best

Of the 21 semifinalists, five finalists were selected by a panel of Wilkes-Barre Publishing Co. employees.

The finalists, in addition to the winners, were:

* George Bowers, of Hanover Township -- He and his son go to local hospitals and hand out fishing poles and reels to children in the pediatric department.

* Hannah Beach, of Wilkes-Barre -- She started a group at John Heinz Rehabilitation Center for young adults suffering from chronic pain to meet and discuss their ailments and treatments. She suffers from Ankylosing spondylitis, an incurable auto-immune system disease that attacks the joints and spine.

* Thomas E. Pugh, of Hunlock Creek – A longtime volunteer, he has coordinated countless fundraising and awareness programs.

* Michael Coolbaugh Sr., of Exeter – An active community volunteer, he’s served as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years, 17 years with the Exeter Lions Little League and 15 years with the Exeter Cub Scouts. Even his full-time job is a service to the community. Coolbaugh is a sergeant with the Exeter Police Department.

The semifinalists were:

Dr. Mischelle Anthony of Luzerne; Dr. Michael Berger and wife Sue Berger of Kingston; Kathy Lee Crook of West Wyoming; Gerald A. Ephault of Bear Creek Township; Keith Evanosky of Dallas; Theresa Hahn of Shavertown; Miriam Heverline of Drums; Jackie Keiser of Warrior Run; Harriet Clyde Kipps of Glen Lyon; Jeff Klansek of Wyoming; Richard Lewis of Wright Township; Paul O’Malia of Larksville; David Pettit of Mountain Top; Ronald “Pete” Scherer Sr. of Huntington Mills; Michael Wasko of Old Forge; and William Zdancewicz of Edwardsville.

Andrew M. Seder, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 570-829-7269.

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