PAW PAW, Mich. (WOOD) — A convicted felon, who overcame drug addiction and became the mayor of Bangor, was honored by a Michigan Supreme Court Justice for his recovery.
Mayor Darren Williams received a proclamation Friday on behalf of the court from Justice Elizabeth Clement.
Williams spoke at the graduation for two women from the Van Buren County Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program.
“You can succeed, even though you’re a recovering drug addict,” Williams said. “You still can succeed in life and be prosperous.”
The voluntary program provides a strong structure of accountability with counseling and additional testing to make sure participants remain clean. He graduated from the program in 2016.
Williams started his own business and was elected mayor in May.
“I am incredibly passionate about these courts because they save lives,” Clement said.