Rachel Colbert Receives Polk Award
Congratulations to Probation Officer Rachael Colbert, the Court's honoree at the 80th Franklin A. Polk Public Servants Merit Awards which recognizes non-elected public servants whose dedication, professionalism, and steady service help keep the justice system working for the people of Northeast Ohio. Rachel was nominated by Administrative and Presiding Judge Michael Shaughnessy.
Rachel began working for the Court on May 13, 1985, as a Clerk-Typist in the Probation Department at a starting salary of $8,000.00! As a Clerk-Typist, Rachel was trained to run Computerized Criminal History (CCH) reports. She also became proficient in WORD and EXCEL, no small feat considering Microsoft Office was first released just two years earlier.
With the help of the Probation Department's Tuition Reimbursement Program, Rachel completed her undergraduate degree at the Chancellor University. After earning her degree, Rachel was promoted to the role of Probation Officer on December 6, 2010. Since then, her supervisors have noted that she has worked extremely well with clients, showing them compassion and empathy while being firm, but fair.
"With more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, Rachel is more than deserving of the great recognition," says Judge Shaughnessy. "Thank you to the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation for the opportunity to recognize Probation Officer Rachel Colbert."
