Trees planted in Murfreesboro and multiple other communities to represent crime victims

Apr 21, 2015 at 02:00 am by bryan


The Board of Parole (BOP), the Department of Correction (TDOC) and the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) are planting trees in 10 communities across the state this week to honor victims of crime and recognize the advocates who work with them.

Parole Board Chairman Richard Montgomery said, "Trees represent crime victims because they are strong and resilient. They may bend, but they rarely break. In that way, they demonstrate the steadfastness of people who have experienced crime -- but refuse to be beaten by it." The white dogwood is being added to several others planted in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in previous years.

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In Murfreesboro, the trees are being planted at the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and Adult Detention Center (940 New Salem Highway).

Other locations for trees:

  • Nashville
  • Memphis
  • Knoxville
  • Chattanooga
  • Jackson, Dickson
  • Cookeville
  • Elizabethton
  • Lawrenceburg

TDOC Commissioner Derrick Schofield agreed. "This year's theme for National Crime Victims' Rights Week is Empowering Victims -- Engaging Communities. It is a reminder that providing services to crime victims helps them heal, and makes our communities safer."

TRICOR Chief Executive Officer Patricia Weiland's agency provides markers for each tree. "As people pass these trees in years to come, it's important that they know why they were planted and who they honor. The trees are a symbol of the need to assist crime victims as they rebuild their lives."

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