Ottawa County Bar Association

• Strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law;
• Promote a better understanding of our form of government,
• Encourage greater respect for the law in the courts,
• Stimulate a deeper sense of individual responsibility to the end that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights

Nancy Silva

Humane Society of Ottawa County.  Nancy Silva serves the Ottawa County Community as its' county humane officer. In a volunteer capacity, Nancy works on a daily basis to protect the domestic animals of Ottawa County and their owners while showing the type of commitment to her duties that even full-time employees can emulate. Nancy frequently gives of her own time on weekends and evenings in service to her fellow citizens of both the four legged and bipedal varieties.

Nancy personifies community interactivity, treating each case individually and working with county residents to prevent and deter the mistreatment of animals before it becomes severe enough to require prosecution. Beyond simply enforcing statutes, she endeavors to educate citizens about the responsibility of animal ownership and Ohio laws using her informal and calm demeanor, intuition and sense of humor to defuse  potentially volitile situations while helping pet owners and the community at large to  understand and appreciate the rule of law.

Nancy has served Ottawa County without extensive recognition, as many community members aren’t aware of her job duties or the amount of personl time, expense and persistence she volunteers. However, several times in the last year her activities have earned her some public recognition, in particular an incident this winter when Nancy rushed across the county, well after business hours, to assist a police officer in rescuing a dog that had fallen through the ice. In serving the Ottawa County Humane Society, a nonprofit organization beloved by Larry Noblitt, the namesake of Ottawa County’s Liberty Bell Award, Nancy Silve goes above and beyond to bring the law to the populace in a way that enriches the entire Ottawa County community.

Was nominated by Attorney Chris Marcinko.

Irma Torres

Medicaid Caseworker.  Irma Torres is an outstanding member of the Ottawa County community and a noteworthy candidate for the 2008 Ottawa County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award. Everyday she helps persons navigate the difficult and time consuming process of Medicaid eligibility. She also provides insight and resources invaluable to legal professionals. By her contribution to the community she promotes a better understanding and encourages greater respect for the law.

Was nominated by Attorney Linda Kroeger-Baum.

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