LIBERTY, NY — The Sullivan County Shields, an organization composed of active and retired law enforcers and supporters, offers scholarship aid to a Sullivan County graduating senior who plans to study for and pursue a career in some branch of law enforcement. 

This year there were two recipients, and they were honored at the Shields’ monthly meeting, along with their families. 

Mia Barragan will graduate from Liberty High School in June and plans to attend John Jay College in New York City to study criminal justice. She is the daughter of Rigoberto and Carmen Barragan, who also attended as guests, along with Mia’s brother, Rigoberto. 

Christina Chakar, whose parents, Robert and Katie Chakar joined their daughter at the meeting, plans to study criminology at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. Christina is a senior at Monticello High School. 

Both young ladies were honored following the organization’s business meeting. Each was introduced to the members and spoke about herself and her plans for her future, and thanked the group for having chosen her to receive this year’s scholarship aid. 

Peter Chiavaro, Shields president, explained that the Shields is a county-wide group that has been meeting for more than 25 years. When needed, they volunteer to help local police or the Sheriff’s Department with activities such as traffic control or keeping order at public events. 

The Shields work to raise funds to help fellow law enforcers in case of need and to offer scholarships for Sullivan County students going into some branch of that field. 

Contributed by the Sullivan County Shields.