On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Fall Conference, Brooke Trice and Jon Kramer, both of Huntington County Probation, were awarded the 2025 Line Officer of the Year Award.
The Line Probation Officer of the Year Award was established in 2014 to recognize line probation officers who have performed their duties in an outstanding manner and/or made significant contributions to the field of probation at the local, regional, or national level. The recipient may also have brought credit or honor to the profession of probation through participation or involvement in community activities or programs. This recognition is awarded to probation officers who are involved in the direct supervision of criminal defendants/juvenile offenders and/or other line probation officer duties such as conducting Presentence Investigations, Preliminary Inquiries, and Pre-dispositional Investigations.
Jon has served as a probation officer for 38 years, 31 of those years as an active member of POPAI. Huntington County Chief Probation Officer Heather Malone wrote, “He is a larger-than-life presence, a wise mentor, and someone who instinctively knows how to build rapport and credibility with even the most difficult youth and families.
Brooke has served as a probation officer and active member of POPAI for 6 years. Chief Probation Officer Heather Malone had this to say about Brooke. “She became the youngest probation officer ever employed with our county. Despite her youth, she immediately demonstrated remarkable maturity, judgement, and skill. She is known for her calm demeanor, exceptional communication, and ability to gain trust and buy-in from families in difficult situations.
Magistrate Amy Richison with the Huntington Circuit Court wrote the following about Brooke and Jon. “Together, Brooke and Jon embody the highest standards of our profession. They are wholly invested in the youth and families they serve, bringing equal parts of compassion and accountability to their work. Their approach is not transactional; it is transformational. They go above and beyond every day, encouraging, supporting, and guiding the young people on their caseloads, while maintaining firm expectations and clear boundaries.
POPAI congratulates Brooke and Jon as your 2025 Line Probation Officers of the Year.