Five-time Golden Gloves champion Skipper Fairbanks has helped shape the lives of area athletes for many years, but it is his work with people facing legal troubles that earned him this year’s Liberty Bell Award from the Chattanooga Bar Association.
During the 2010 Law Day Luncheon, Judge Clarence Shattuck presented Fairbanks with the award, which is given annually to an outstanding local citizen whose service strengthens the law. Fairbanks spent 28 years as a parole officer for the United States District Courts.
“Over the years there have been many probationers and parolees who have expressed their thanks and appreciation for Fairbanks’ influence and help in turning their lives around,” said Shattuck in his speech.
Fairbanks said he credits his late wife, siblings, daughters, grandchildren and fellow coaches for helping him achieve the award.
Earlier this year, Fairbanks also received the Walt Lauter Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his years playing and coaching baseball, football and boxing.