It’s no secret volunteers play a huge role at Fort Verde State Historic Park. They’ve worked there for years.

More recently, they have been absolutely vital in helping to keep the fort open in the wake of large budget cuts to the Arizona State Parks system.

Two volunteers at the fort were recently singled out for their service. George and Carol Dvorak were named Volunteers of the Year for Arizona State Parks.

“We were surprised,” Carole Dvorak said. “We still are.”

The couple was recognized in a special luncheon earlier this month. Another volunteer, Bill Stafford, was recognized with a regional volunteer award.

It’s notable the Dvoraks were chosen for this recognition out of around 1,200 volunteers working at parks across Arizona.

The Dvoraks have been volunteering at the fort since before the budget ax came down; they’ve stuck around ever since, along with a huge roster of other volunteers, to help keep things running.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, April 18, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.