Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Officers honored for work with victims of abuse

By JENNIFER STEWART
Published June 25, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - It's a first impression with a lot on the line.

Many domestic violence victims are terribly ashamed when they first meet with law enforcement.

And if they are homeless or have other problems, their resolve that they won't be believed or don't have rights is often compounded.

If the officers are at all dismissive or abrasive with the women, "they shut that down as an avenue of safety," said Lynn Needs, executive director of the Salvation Army's Domestic Violence Program.

During a small, low-key ceremony, six local officers were recently honored for their outstanding work on behalf of these women.

Those who nominated Pasco County Sheriff's Deputy Charles Keppel described his work with domestic violence victims as: "persistent, consistent, patient, gracious and empathetic."

"We're also going to be running him for office after this," State Sen. Mike Fasano said jokingly.

Fasano spoke and presented the Pasco Domestic Violence Task Force's first law enforcement awards before about 40 people in the County Commission chambers Wednesday afternoon.

The other honorees were: Officer Christopher Trapnell, New Port Richey Police Department; Deputies Glynn Jude, Raymond Meddaugh and John Watson, Pasco County Sheriff's Office; and Officer Donald Young, Port Richey Police Department.

Pasco Sheriff's Office Capt. Rick Neal accepted the awards for Meddaugh and Watson, who were unable to attend.

The Pasco Domestic Violence Task Force includes the Salvation Army's Domestic Violence Program on the county's west side and Sunrise of Pasco County in the east.

Representatives from other agencies that offer domestic violence-related help, such as Bay Area Legal Services and Calvary Chapel, are among the speakers at the monthly meetings. The goal is for the local organizations to know who does what so they're not "spinning their wheels," Needs said.

At the recent awards ceremony, Deputy Jude was honored for providing extraordinary treatment to Salvation Army volunteer advocate Ruth Smith, who wanted to appreciate law enforcement's role in domestic violence calls.

"It is actions such as this that bridge the gaps for services for domestic violence victims," Fasano said, reading a statement from the domestic violence program's organizers.

One of the honorees, Trapnell, took a report from a woman who had been brutally attacked near the Pithlachascotee River in New Port Richey.

She was homeless, and she went to the Salvation Army shelter before she contacted the police.

Trapnell "demonstrated exemplary compassion and reassurance that no matter her status in life, she deserved better treatment than the abuse she suffered," Fasano read.

Trapnell, 29, also followed up with the victim on the status of the charges against her accused attacker.

The officer gave other information, too, that was critical in the Salvation Army's ability to provide the victim with necessary services.

Needs likes to keep the names and numbers of officers like Trapnell, who are good with her clients.

But when she asked him for his business card, he looked bewildered and concerned, she said.

"Sometimes I think officers are used to criticism instead of praise."

Jennifer Stewart writes about social events and personalities in Pasco County. She can be reached in west Pasco at 727 869-6231. Her e-mail address is jstewart@sptimes.com.

[Last modified June 25, 2006, 04:23:24]