The United Way of Junction City-Geary County has announced it’s Ben Kitchens Volunteer of the Year recipient.

John Hagerty, Head Coach of the JC Pacesetters, the local Special Olympics team, has been named the 2014 Ben Kitchens Volunteer of the Year. Hagerty was nominated by Ted Hayden, 2008 recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award.

Hagerty served as a Military Police Officer until he retired from the Army. He then became a police officer for the Junction City Police Department. It was while serving as a police officer that John became involved with the Special Olympics Torch Run. It didn’t take much for those team members to stake a claim on John’s heart. He started working directly with the team in 1995 and continues to this day. During the academic year, Hagerty continues to work with special needs students as a Para in USD 475.

The Ben Kitchens Volunteer of the Year Award was established to shine the spotlight of gratitude on deserving individuals for their selfless giving through organizations that serve the people of Geary County.

Hagerty was presented the award by past recipients Ben Kitchens 2007, Ted Hayden 2008, Otis Scroggins 2010, and Robert Munson 2012.