Shakopee Police Department’s Barb Hedstrom Honored by Congress for Outstanding Victim Advocacy Work
Rep. Angie Craig nominated Hedstrom for the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Shakopee Police Department Victim and Community Services Coordinator Barb Hedstrom was recognized with the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy for her work to support crime victims and survivors.
U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined the bipartisan Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus in honoring Hedstrom at the U.S. Capitol. Rep. Craig nominated Hedstrom for the Ed Stout Memorial Award earlier this year.
Hedstrom played a key role in the establishment of the Recovery Assistance Program (RAP) to make treatment and recovery programs accessible to individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
Hedstrom also launched the Law Enforcement Association of Victim Essential Services (LEAVES), the statewide professional association of law enforcement-based victim service providers.
“I know firsthand how important it is to feel supported as the victim of a crime – and for over a decade, Barb has provided that critical support to Minnesotans navigating the most challenging moments of their lives. She constantly strives to build the support network needed to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for those impacted by crime – and I'm proud to join my colleagues in honoring her and the Shakopee Police Department today,” said Rep. Craig.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Barb and the work she has done. She is very much worthy of this prestigious award and has set the bar high in Shakopee. Few make the type of impact in this profession that Barb has. Throughout her entire tenure here, she has always kept the focus where it needs to be, properly serving victims and making sure they get the resources they need. We are so lucky to be able to benefit from her legacy,” said Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate.
The Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy recognizes innovations in victim assistance and crime victim services in the areas of program development, public or agency policy development, community and public awareness and collaboration among community and justice-based organizations that service crime victims.
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