Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property ET_Builder_Module_Comments::$et_pb_unique_comments_module_class is deprecated in /home/csmediatexas/murphymonitor/wp-content/themes/Divi/includes/builder/class-et-builder-element.php on line 1425
Photos online

Reins of Hope

by | Jan 2, 2025 | Area News, Latest

Equine therapy program to aid incarcerated, non-violent veterans

Judge John Roach, left, Pat Puckett and Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, at the first session of the VALOR/Collin County Sheriff’s Office Equine Therapy Program in October 2024. In December, the CCSO held its second session with plans for more in 2025. Courtesy CCSO

Thanks to the efforts of two Collin County leaders, military veterans in the justice system now have a powerful new resource for healing and rehabilitation.

Determined to leave ‘no man behind,’ Sheriff Jim Skinner and Judge John Roach—both veterans themselves—collaborated to launch the VALOR/Collin County Sheriff’s Office Equine Therapy Program.

This innovative initiative blends intensive therapy with the transformative power of horses, giving justice-involved non-violent veteran inmates a chance to rebuild trust, purpose, and dignity.

For more on this story see the January 2, 2025 print, or digital edition of the Murphy Monitor. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

Subscribe Love

0 Comments

Public Notice - Subscribe

Related News

Annual family campout returns to Murphy

Annual family campout returns to Murphy

Register by Oct. 15 for the family campout set for Nov. 13 to 14. Bob Wieland/Murphy Monitor Murphy’s annual family campout is returning to Central Park Pond next month, offering families a chance to spend a night under the stars without venturing far from home. Now...

read more
Early voting begins next week 

Early voting begins next week 

There’s a lot for voters to consider on the ballot for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election. In the 3rd Congressional District, Rep. Keith Self, a Republican, is seeking his third term in the U.S. House. He is opposed by Evan Hunt, the Democratic nominee.  Four...

read more
City asks Flock to remove cameras

City asks Flock to remove cameras

The Murphy City Council has decided there are too many questions about Flock Safety automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to continue using the cameras. In a presentation to council’s Oct. 6 meeting, Police Chief Jeff Gibson dispelled myths about the cameras, saying...

read more
Area community events fill October calendar

Area community events fill October calendar

Boo on Ballard will return to Wylie Oct. 29. File Art Cooler weather — or at least the promise of it — is bringing a full slate of festivals, Halloween celebrations and family activities to Wylie, Sachse and surrounding communities throughout October. From costume...

read more
Elected officials receive salary increases

Elected officials receive salary increases

Collin County elected officials began receiving higher salaries Oct. 1 as part of the county’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget. The Commissioners Court approved the compensation schedule last month, with County Judge Chris Hill casting the lone vote against it. The 4-1...

read more
Council considers public works, IT contracts

Council considers public works, IT contracts

Rodeo Drive Water Tower. File Art Three public works projects worth nearly $2 million were on the consent agenda for the Oct. 6 meeting of the Murphy City Council. Engineering services for a redesign for the FM 544 pedestrian bridge over Maxwell Creek had a...

read more
Islamic Knowledge Center returns to P&Z

Islamic Knowledge Center returns to P&Z

Two houses on North Murphy Road are proposed to house The Center of Islamic Knowledge. Bob Wieland/Murphy Monitor The Murphy Planning and Zoning Commission is again being asked to approve a site plan for The Center of Islamic Knowledge on 2.64 acres at 1030 and 1026...

read more
Murphy to discontinue Flock cameras

Murphy to discontinue Flock cameras

The Murphy City Council has decided there are too many uncertainties about Flock Safety automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to continue using them.Following a presentation by Police Chief Jeff Gibson at council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, members opted...

read more
Public Notice - Subscribe