GPD officer recognized by domestic violence task force

GAINESVILLE - As a part of its work in trying to improve community response to domestic violence, the Hall County Domestic Violence Task Force recently hosted a breakfast to raise awareness and honor work excellence in the field.

Cpl. Sarah Wilson of the Gainesville Police Department was named Domestic Violence Officer of the Year at the event.

"From this community, our deep felt thanks to Officer Wilson for her exemplary performance in compassionately working with victims of domestic violence, carefully responding to crime scenes, and diligently holding aggressors responsible," said Kit Devine, chair of the task force and senior assistant district attorney for this circuit.

"Cpl. Wilson has pursued additional training in this specialized area of law enforcement to the point where "other officers go to her for guidance when confronted with difficult domestic violence problems," added Sgt. Jeff Bull of the Gainesville Police Department.

When presenting the award, Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard praised the work of metro Gainesville law enforcement officers in addressing this "very difficult" issue. "The obstacles they face are tremendous, and yet they continue to put their safety behind that of victims in Gainesville suffering from abuse."