WINNEMUCCA - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Today this has expanded to include National Police Week. It will be honored across the country from May 13-17 and an estimated 25,000- 40,000 individuals are expected to attend a memorial service in Washington D.C. to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Here in Winnemucca, WDVS will be honoring National Police Week by kicking off their new Angel Program. The Angel Program is a way to thank local law enforcement officers for their hard work and ongoing support, and will be a continued effort to thank officers for the work they do throughout the year.
Over the year, law enforcement officers will receive an update on the successes of a community member that has been helped through their efforts.
All too often, officers meet individuals under negative circumstances but are never able to hear the positive outcomes that are a result of their work. The Angel Certificate will change this. It will let officers know what difference they have made in someone's life. Updates will be mailed to individual officers informing them of the difference they have made.
For some it may be that they have escaped an abusive home, relocated to be with family, or even that someone was able to gain their independence.
Each year, WDVS receives more than 50 referrals for crisis intervention services from local law enforcement officers. When these calls are made, law enforcement makes an effort to address the holistic needs of a survivor and takes the extra time to contact an advocate to come to the scene.
A WDVS advocate meets the officer and individual to help them through the crisis and plan for ongoing safety and freedom from abuse. As one WDVS advocate recounted:
I can remember the first time that I got "called out" for domestic violence. The referral came from a WPD officer. He promptly met me at the door and explained the situation and sought out ways that he and I could partner together to help the victim.
The victim had been pushed and scratched while she was holding her young infant. She was scared, not sure of what to do or how to leave. The officer stayed with me and the victim for a lengthy period of time while we filled out papers for a protection order.
When I or the victim had questions the officer was incredibly respectful and insightful. He presented with such a calming and non-threatening presence throughout the process. He not only made me feel comfortable; he also made the victim feel comfortable. These are assets that every officer everywhere should strive to have when assisting victims of domestic violence. Because of officers like him, we are reaching more and more victims to help end the cycle of abuse.
WDVS would like to thank each and every officer who has connected someone in need with our services. This multidisciplinary, collaborative response sets survivors of abuse up for a life free from violence. It increases the awareness of services, connects individuals with vital community agencies, and provides an advocate to support them through the process. Thank you!
WDVS operates a 24/7 Hotline available to those wishing to connect community members with services and for individuals seeking assistance from an advocate. To reach a 24/7 advocate, call 775-421-1028. To volunteer as an on-call advocate, call the WDVS office at 775-625-1313.
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