Bucyrus man awarded for leadership

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John Maddox has always been a leader and mentor. From the years he spent with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to the time he now spends helping people overcome addiction and get their lives back on track, he wants to help people.

John was recently honored by being awarded the prestigious Highway Patrol Distinguished Retiree Award for personifying the Highway Patrol’s core values and providing selfless service to the citizens of Ohio.

“I was surprised when I found out I was receiving the award. I feel honored,” John said.

John began his career with the state patrol in October of 1974 in Ashtabula County.

“I was a young man and thought it was a great opportunity for me. I liked what the patrol stood for, the core values, discipline and staying in shape,” said John who came to the Bucyrus Post in 1995.

John is currently working on an addition to the Jericho House in Bucyrus that he founded with his wife, Rev. Margie Maddox, to help women battling addiction get their lives back on track.

The couple also founded the Alpha 12-Step Recovery Program in 2005 to help combat the drug problem in Crawford County.

“John retired then almost immediately left for New Orleans to help out with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. While he was there, Hurricane Rita hit so they sent him to Jasper, Texas, to help out there. He was gone for about a year and almost as soon as he got back, we started our ministry,” said Margie.

John said when he goes to the jail to visit with young men, they remind him of himself.

“I was at a crossroads at their age and I just made a better choice. I like helping the underdog become successful. I know these people have potential and deserve a chance to get back on track,” John said.

Brandon Brown, a recovering addict who is helping construct the Jericho House addition, said John is his mentor.

“John and Margie are the greatest example of what a Christian couple looks and acts like. They give so much of themselves to help others, it is just amazing,” Brown said. “John is a great mentor for me and so many others. I am glad he was given an award for leadership because that is what he and Margie are, great leaders in our community.”

For more information about the Alpha Recovery Program or the Jericho House, visit http://www.alpha12step.com.

John Maddox, co-founder of the Jericho House and Alpha Recovery 12-Step Program, recently received the Ohio State Highway Patrol Distinguished Retiree Award. (Kim Gasuras | Galion Inquirer)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/03/web1_John-Maddox2016325131058392.jpgJohn Maddox, co-founder of the Jericho House and Alpha Recovery 12-Step Program, recently received the Ohio State Highway Patrol Distinguished Retiree Award. (Kim Gasuras | Galion Inquirer)

By Kimberly Gasuras

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