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TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today recognized Jennifer Hecker, executive director of the Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, for her outstanding service to crime victims.
In a video presentation as part of this year’s virtual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference, Schmidt announced Hecker was the recipient of the Outstanding Community Based Advocate Award.
Hecker has served as the organization’s executive director since 2017. One of Hecker’s major achievements has been developing trauma-informed, community-based collaborations that support a broad spectrum of victims and survivors, including those who survive domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in western Kansas.
Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler shared his support for Hecker’s recognition.
“I have been in law enforcement since 1993, and Options has always played a major role in our communities. Jennifer has taken the role of Options to the next level,” Scheibler said. “Jennifer spends countless hours, before the sun goes up and comes down, doing the behind-the-scenes work that makes Options what it is today.”
The annual recognition of those who provide outstanding service to victims of crime is taking place during the 23rd Annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference, hosted this week by the governor and attorney general.
This conference is being held virtually for the first time and comes ahead of next week’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
The video highlighting all of this year’s award recipients is available at https://youtu.be/vvtQNvOIOyE.