The Board of Parole (BOP) and the Department of Correction (DOC) are honoring crime victims with a tree planting ceremony at 2:00 o'clock this (Friday) afternoon at the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office (940 New Salem Highway).

This is a part of the observance locally of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The Voice for Victims Award will be presented to a Rutherford County victim advocate who works on behalf of local crime victims. In addition, a  moving story of suffering will be told by a victim who had boiling oil poured over their body.

WGNS' Bart Walker will serve as master of ceremonies for this Friday afternoon's program and tree planting.

By the way, the tree being planted at the Sheriff's Office is one of eight tree planting ceremonies across Tennessee this week. Additional events are taking place in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Jackson, Springfield, Blountville and Chattanooga.

The Board of Parole is an independent seven-member board whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board is charged with the responsibility of deciding which eligible felony offenders will be granted parole and released from incarceration to community supervision. Members also review clemency matters for the Governor.

The Department of Correction is committed to operating safe and secure prisons and providing effective community supervision.