Department Of Justice Honors Alaska Police And Fire Chaplains Ministries With Allied Professional Award

           WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a division of the Office of Justice Programs, presented the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains with the Allied Professional Award. This National Crime Victims’ Service Awards category recognizes an individual or individuals from a specific discipline outside the victim assistance field for their service to victims and contribution to the victim assistance field.

           In 1980, the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains was created as nonprofit organization, offering services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to victims of crime. Chaplains provide crisis intervention, death notifications and training on suicide prevention and stress management to victims, first responders and family members.

          “The Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains is a stellar example of the invaluable support that the faith-based community can bring to people in crisis, especially in remote communities where services are scarce and help is so hard to find,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to this outstanding organization for bringing light to crime victims in their darkest hour.”

          APFCM helped create a guide for family members who have lost loved ones through homicide. The guide outlines the court process, what to expect in the days to come and offers a list of victim service resources. Over the years, the Chaplains have hosted and attended rallies standing against domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and impaired driving. Additionally, on April 20th, the Chaplains lead the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week tree ribbon-tying ceremony hosted by Victims For Justice. Hostetler Park, in Anchorage, was revived to include the Alaska Victims of Violent Crime Memorial, listing names of those murdered in Alaska. The event was livestreamed on Facebook due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

           “We applaud the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains Ministries for providing emotional support and spiritual relief to victims from the immediate aftermath of tragedy through the long-term ordeal of recovery,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “Crime victims in Alaska have a steadfast ally that is ready and able to serve as a source of hope and healing.”

           The Office for Victims of Crime leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. President Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This year’s observance took place April 19-25 and featured the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.” The award recipients were honored privately and virtually with friends, family and Office of Justice Programs leadership.