On Oct. 21, Pierce County Drug Court will celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking the occasion with an awards ceremony and presentation followed by several guest speakers. Judge Edmund Murphy of Superior Court Department 9 will present a historic perspective on Pierce County Drug Court and West Huddleston, Chief Executive Officer of National Association of Drug Courts Professionals, will speak at the event as well.

“Without Drug Court, so many lives would have been lost due to poor choices and irresponsible behavior. This program has been saving people and families for two decades now, and not only am I a proud graduate but a huge supporter as well,” said Jami Bonomo, who now works for Drug Court as a chemical dependency counselor. “As of this month, I am 10 years clean, and I firmly believe it is all due to Pierce County’s Drug Court Program. I hope to see it still going strong for another 20 years.”

Pierce County Drug Court began in October 1994 and has graduated over 1,700 participants. Currently, over 200 participants are engaged with the Felony Drug Court program and 40 are participating in the Family Drug Court program.

The 20-year anniversary celebration will take place Oct. 21, 2014 from 3-5 p.m. in room 100 of the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma. Members of the media and the public are invited.