SAFFORD — The Graham County Attorney’s Office is putting out the call for a person interested in helping the victims of crime.
One of two vacancies has been filled on the Graham County Victim Compensation Board, leaving one spot still open.
Michael Andazola was recently appointed to fill one of the vacant seats on the board.
“Michel, who is a tremendous asset to this community, has volunteered his time and expertise in an effort to assist victims of crime. Through his, and all the board members’ efforts, we hope that some measure of financial restitution can assist those who have been harmed in their individual healing processes,” Graham County Attorney L. Scott Bennett said in an e-mail to Gila Valley Central.
In addition to serving on the Safford City Council, Andazola serves as on the Eastern Arizona College Foundation board, and as president of the boards for Eastern Arizona Hispanic Heritage Corporation and Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS), the latter of which provides Meals on Wheels services to senior residents of Graham and Greenlee counties.
The state Crime Victim Compensation and Assistance Fund was established in 1986 and, under direction of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, each county is directed to have an entity to receive and allocate funds to victims who have submitted a qualifying claim.
Those wishing to volunteer and fill the remaining board vacancy can apply by e-mail Bennett at sbennett@graham.az.gov or Lead Victim Advocate Elvira Talavera at etalavera@graham.az.gov.
