Page 58 - May-June-July_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

MIMI SCOFIELD, DAVID JONES, SCOTT AND LYNN SALLEY, IKE ALAMA-FRANCIS, GUY BLANCHETTE

Tragedies and Triumphs Inspire
Service and Better Choices

by Guy Blanchette
President and CEO, Drug Free Collier
O ne of the things that has been reinforced for Chief Salley was our guest of honor at this year’s event. As

me in the short time I have been serving at the retired Chief of Corrections for the Collier County Sheriff’s
Drug Free Collier is the power sharing our life Office, he was recognized for his 30-year career reducing
experiences can have in helping others. When substance abuse and making a difference in the lives of Collier
individuals are willing to share not only their County youth. As a parent, it’s unbearable to imagine the pain
time and talent, but also go to that more vulnerable place of Chief Salley, his wife, Lynn, and their family have experienced.
sharing their tragedies and triumphs, we are moved. Sometimes Yet, over the years, he has bravely shared the story of the loss of
we are moved to tears. Sometimes we are moved to laughter and his son with parents and young people alike with the hope it
joy. But, the real gift is when we or others are moved to change. could save other families from tragedy.
During our 9th Annual Community Awareness Luncheon – Presenting the award was a young man who, by interesting
and on other occasions - we have heard from one inspiring and circumstances, entered into Chief Salley’s circle of influence. Nick
courageous individual who has personally been touched by the Mullins is a 17-year-old student at Beacon High School, who
devastating effects of substance abuse - Scott Salley, who lost his fell behind in 9th grade after having two serious surgeries. Nick
son, Deke, to a drug overdose 15 years ago. is someone who might have been considered “at-risk” because of

58 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2017