Chief Ron Shields receives Hope Award
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

The East Texas Crisis Center held its annual Hope Awards Ceremony Friday, October 26. Among the recipients was Brownsboro chief of police Ron Shields. The ceremony was held at 6:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Athens.

Donna Johnson, outreach coordinator for Henderson County, said the Hope Awards are presented every year to those who work in some way in the community to aid victims of domestic abuse.

"It's awarded to those who go beyond the call to help victims of domestic violence," Johnson said.

The Henderson County Crisis Center has given out the Hope Awards for 11 years now, Johnson also said.

Police chief Ron Shields said receiving such an award is an honor to him.

"Domestic abuse is a major problem in the state of Texas and the whole country," Shields said.

Johnson said all awarded the Hope Award have advocated on behalf of domestic violence victims to provide safety or other help.

"Ron Shields has worked with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, providing us with information to help victims, " Johnson said.

Shields has also trained officers on dealing with domestic violence, and Johnson said Shields is an educating factor and a huge advocate for victims.

Millions have been spent in lost time, employment and medical expenses to deal with domestic abuse, Shields said.

The Crisis Center's mission, Johnson said, is to provide shelter, help and education for victims of domestic crime.

"We work with other organizations in the community to fulfill the needs of the victims," Johnson said.

The organization also works with law enforcement to keep victims from returning to the abuser.

Shields said the current laws and enforcements on domestic abuse aren't enough.

"There needs to be more punishment from state legislatures. There's not enough punishment for spousal abuse and domestic violence," Shields said.

The Hope Awards started through the Crisis Center's Tyler office, Johnson said. It was carried through five counties: Henderson, Canton, Wood, Rains and Smith. The awards are presented every year in October to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness month.