Eastern Panhandle probation officer receives state award

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Sean Bryner, a probation officer in the Eastern Panhandle, was named West Virginia’s Probation Officer of the Year for 2018, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals announced Friday.

Bryner, 41, who received the award from the West Virginia Association of Probation Officers, primarily works in Morgan County, W.Va.

“I’m grateful for Sean’s good work for our judges and the folks who come under supervision,” Chief 23rd Judicial Circuit Judge Michael D. Lorensen said in a high court news release. “This is quite an honor, considering the many excellent probation officers in our circuit and the state. Sean deserves this recognition.”

Bryner said Monday that he initially was exposed to work as a probation officer while still in college at West Virginia University through an internship program.

He has been a probation officer in the Eastern Panhandle’s three-county 23rd Judicial Circuit since 2004.

Bryner was nominated for the award by 11th Judicial Circuit Probation Officer Dustin Martin, who cited Bryner’s leadership with the state association.

“Sean, in his role as president, continues to inspire me and others to work just a little bit harder, or think just a little bit deeper about issues that impact us all throughout West Virginia,” Martin wrote in his nomination letter.

Association Treasurer Danielle Hofe, also a probation officer in the 23rd Judicial Circuit, credited the work ethic, humor and intellect that Bryner brings to his work.

Hofe and Martin lauded Bryner’s ability to work with the Supreme Court administrative office in Charleston, W.Va.

“Acting as a liaison during times of transition at the administrative offices, Sean has worked diligently to ensure that our needs and requests are heard and often met,” Hofe said in the release. “Building positive relationships over the course of his tenure, Sean is forthright and conscientious of the challenges that face probation officers in our state.

“Conveying these concerns clearly and concisely, Sean has proven to be an invaluable asset to not only the board, but to every probation officer statewide.”

Bryner was elected to the board of the West Virginia Association of Probation Officers in 2013 and has been president of the group since 2017.

The award is based on a probation officer’s involvement and dedication to his or her office and community, the release said.