FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
When Madeline Peters brought her out-of control 12-year-old son Jorge into the 733rd Security Forces Squadron's police station at Fort Eustis three months ago, she didn't know what to expect. She was at her wits end and out of options in dealing with her son's rebellious, delinquent behavior, but knew her family wasn't going to be able to withstand any more of Jorge's antics.
Veteran Detective Rob Canada knew just what to do.
Canada knew he would not be able to press formal charges against the young man for simply disobeying his parents. However, he also knew he could not let Madeline take Jorge home and risk the probability of his behavior spiraling completely out of control.
"It started as basic teenage things, like threatening to run away from home, but got worse. He started seriously disrespecting me and his stepfather [U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Melvin Peters],"
Madeline said.
Having just moved to Fort Eustis from Seattle, Wash., she said risking Jorge disappearing in a strange place "scared us to death."
After three hours in an interrogation room, the 22-year Army veteran and former Newport News Police Department gang specialist decided to make Jorge his project. Canada used his experience in dealing with hardened teenage gang members to help Jorge see the errors of his ways.
Jorge went home in tears that night, afraid of the consequences of his behavior. Canada arranged for Madeline to bring Jorge back to the station once a week for 30-minute counseling sessions.
"I worked with all sorts of really, really bad kids before, and I knew he wasn't a bad kid. He just was getting off track, misled by negative influences at school," Canada explained. "He needed to really understand what he was doing, why it was wrong and what it was doing to his family.
"I really got him to open to up to me about what he was thinking. I made him do things like writing me a two-page paper about why he should respect his parents and what they mean to him and listing the thinks he likes and dislikes about home," he continued. "What I found was a good kid who was peer mirroring the wrong kids. His parents did a good job raising him, and I knew I could get him turned around."
Gradually, Canada began to see a change in Jorge. Each week, he seemed more attentive, respectful and in control of himself. Wanting to keep pace, Canada called the Peters' home to check on Jorge, even calling his school to ensure he was behaving.
Madeline began to see dramatic changes in Jorge's behavior, something she called "a huge burden lifted off me."
"He stopped talking back to me and Melvin, stopped nit-picking at his brother and sister and his attitude just seemed so improved,"
Madeline said. "I couldn't believe how much different he was, and I have Detective Canada to thank. He really is a hero."
Determined to find a way to acknowledge the detective's family-saving dedication, Madeline contacted WVBT, a local Fox news affiliate. She nominated Canada for the station's "Hampton Roads Hero Award," citing his selfless devotion to getting her son under control.
The news station agreed with her praise, and presented the detective with the award on a taped segment for their Nov. 21 late-night newscast.
Canada called the award "one of the most joyous things I've ever received."
"This is better than any award I've ever gotten," he said. "Taking time out to give to someone else is what it's all about here. I only spent 30 minutes a week with Jorge. I gave up a little of my time because I thought it was the right thing to do. It's all from the heart.
"So often, I've had to enforce discipline to young people who've committed terrible crimes, completely headed in the wrong direction.
I saw an opportunity here to reach a young man who wasn't that far gone that I could help, and it was a no-brainer," he continued.
As for being labeled a hero, Canada remained humble.
"I don't consider myself a hero, but I'm not a zero either," he said, laughing. "I'd like to think I'm somewhere in between."
Canada's program with Jorge is far from over. He estimates at least six more months of weekly visits to ensure Jorge doesn't stray from his improved ways.
"If I can reach one kid, teach one kid, the world is a better place. I think everyone should reach out and help one troubled kid. It can change the world," he said. "I'm going to see this through. He really is a good kid."