Sheriff's office hires JET coordinator

Michael Norzagaray will take over as coordinator of Sisters' Juvenile Empowerment Team diversion program on December 7.

Norzagaray was selected by a five-person interview committee from among 12 final candidates.

"I think he's going to take the program to new heights," said sheriff's sergeant Rich Shawver. "The interview committee were just so impressed with him."

Norzagaray has served in various capacities since 1987 with the Maricopa County Juvenile Court Center in Arizona. He will operate the diversion program for first-time youth offenders and the Sisters Teen Court.

The JET program has been moribund for over six months after the departure of its founder Kirsten Werner. Shawver said he is very pleased to have the program back in operation.

I'm going to put out a memo that as of December 7, the JET program is back in business," Shawver said. "I'm really tickled aboutthat."