By Stacey Tinsley, stinsley@bossierpress.com
The Caddo/Bossier Domestic Violence Task Force honored the memory of a fallen officer with a banquet that recognizes those who help domestic violence victims.
The Trey Hutchison Awards Banquet was held Friday, Oct. 5 at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant, to honor the memory of Bossier City Police Officer Trey Hutchison who was slain in August 2004 while responding to a domestic violence call.
Each year, the Caddo/Bossier Domestic Violence Task Force comprises nominees in law enforcement from both parishes who through their tireless efforts in either investigation, prosecution or legislation, have championed the protective rights of domestic violence victims and their families.
This year’s recipients of the Trey Hutchison Award was Bossier City Police Officer Terry Yetman and Bossier Parish Sheriff Dept Sgt Tina Fruge.
Officer Terry Yetman joined the Bossier City Police Department in 2014 after having previously serving in Haughton. He began his law enforcement career in 2002 and has since worked tirelessly with victims and fellow law enforcement officers to help bring an end to someone who is in need of help from domestic violence.
“To get an award after Trey Hutchison is a huge honor. Personally, I don’t think there is any other award that can make you feel better about doing your job,” said Yetman.
Sgt. Tina Fruge has assisted survivors in obtaining emergency awards from the crime victims recreations fund and has provided emergency food rations form Operation Blessing and the Bossier Sheriff Office’s food bank. Last year at Christmas, she provided gifts for two children after a domestic violence incident several days before the holiday.
“It’s very humbling to get an award like this. That’s all I can say. It’s just humbling. I’m just doing my job, I’m a public servant. I’m here to serve people and the community. If I can make one person’s life better, I feel like I have done my job,” said Sgt. Fruge.
At the banquet, a civilian is also honored for their efforts. This years recipient of the Charles Rex Scott Civilian of the year award was Ms. Jakare Ferunda.
“ It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award and I’m just so happy to be here to share with everyone and I am glad that I am still alive to be able to share my story and hopefully inspire others,” said Ferunda.
The mission of the task force is to use every available resource to inform, enlighten and educate our citizens and our law enforcement partners of the devastating impact the crime of domestic violence has on every day society. The organization is comprised of members from area law enforcement officers, the Caddo and Bossier District Attorney’s offices, Family Violence Programs and concerned citizens.
