HomeMy WebLinkAbout15-227 RESOLUTION NO. 15-227
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING CIRCUIT JUDGE ROBERT E. BELANGER AND HIS CONTINUED
DEDICATION TO THE VETERANS COURT PROGRAM IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. Robert E. Belanger is a judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in St. Lucie County, Florida.
He was appointed by former Governor Jeb Bush on December 12,2004,and began his legal
career as a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps,where he served from 1986
to 1990.
2. The Department of Defense has estimated one in five veterans who served in Iraq and
Afghanistan have returned and suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or major
depression, which can often lead to escalated suicide attempts, arrests, incarceration,
divorce, domestic violence, homelessness and despair.
3. The St. Lucie Veterans Court, which launched on August 8, 2014, is a speciality court
serving as an alternative treatment and sentencing option for veterans suffering from an
underlying substance abuse and/or co-occurring mental illness and facing criminal charges.
4. Judge Belanger has been a strong advocate for veterans in our community, and has stated
that he believes there is no group of citizens more deserving of receiving this assistance.
He was instrumental in the formation of the St. Lucie County Veterans Court.
5. Judge Belanger's leadership with the Veterans Court is helping dozens of our local veterans
find the tools they need to lead a productive and law abiding life through treatment,
reinforcement and judicial monitoring.
6. Judge Belanger continues to preside over Veterans Court and the St. Lucie Board of County
Commissioners thanks him for his dedication to the veterans in our community.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board does hereby commend and express sincere appreciation to the honorable
Robert E. Belanger, Circuit Judge, who continues to preside over Veterans Court and thanks him
for his continued dedication to and service of the veterans of St. Lucie County.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 3rd day of November 2015.
EST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
�Q BY:
DEPU _ +, CHAIR
APPROVED A E F R AND CORRECTNESS:
COUNTY ATTCINE