Police Chief Jason Umberger was recently presented with the Cecil Paul and Maria Jones Community Hero award from the House Next Door.

"I am honored to receive this recognition, but it wouldn't be possible if not for The House Next Door and the amazing network of workers and volunteers dedicated to providing education and support for our community's children and families," Umberger said. "Myself and the city's police officers look forward to continuing to work with The House Next Door in the hope of creating a better future for our youth." 

Umberger and his officers often visit The House Next Door's Homework Club, an afterschool program for students at Woodward and Starke Elementary. Chief Umberger has also helped engineer a comeback for the West Volusia Police Athletic League, which is sponsored by the DeLand Police Department. 

The award was created by The House Next Door in recognition of Paul and Maria Jones. The Jones’ have dedicated decades of volunteer hours meeting our community’s needs and have been steadfast supporters of HND. The recipient of the Cecil Paul and Maria Jones Community Hero award must have demonstrated, over a significant period of time, dedication to the promotion of nurturing and empowering families in our community, combined with a strong sense of civic duty.

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