CENTREVILLE – After not being awarded in 2020, the St. Joseph County Bar Association has given out the Liberty Bell Award for both 2020 and 2021. And both awards are going to the same person.

During a virtual ceremony Monday morning, the County Bar Association presented the 2020-21 award to Erin Goff. The award is giving out annually as part of Law Day. Goff is the former manger of the St. Joseph County Community Corrections Advisory Board, and currently serves as the Director of Emergency Services for the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office.

Goff was quick to say that she has been lucky to work with people who know the value of collaboration and working together and working towards a common goal. She says while she is honored to be recognized, it's really about everyone on the team.

Law Day was created by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1957, designated it as May 1 every year. In 1985, the St. Joseph County Bar Association started presenting the Liberty Bell Award. It is given to a non-lawyer, individual or organization within the St. Joseph County Community, who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in one of five areas: promoting a better understanding of the Constitution and Bill of Rights; Encouraging a greater respect for the law and the Courts; Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights; Contributing to the effective of our private and governmental institutions and Fostering a better understanding and appreciation for the rule of law.