WESTFIELD – The Highland Valley Elder Services commemorated the 10th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Monday by honoring members of the community whose actions reduce the risk of elders being victimized.
Highland Valley Protection Services caseworkers presented certificates of recognition to three members of the Westfield Police Department, Detectives Roxanne Bradley and Todd Edwards and Domestic Violence Advocate Donna Suckau Monday at the Westfield police headquarters.
Protective Services Case Manager Julie Pearce said the Westfield Police Department is one of the most proactive in the HVES service area. Pearce also noted that Westfield has one of the largest senior citizen populations in the region
“Whenever we call, you respond,” Pearce, who presented Edwards with his award, said. “Thank you for working with us in the Protective Services program.”
Emilia Dunkley, also a Protective Service Case Manager, presented Bradley with here award.
“You provide such a wonderful and supportive environment,” Dunkley said to Bradley.
Protective Service Case Manager Patti Spirito said that the work of Domestic Violence Advocate Suckau, “reduces the risk to elders in the community.”
Highland Valley Elder Services Protective Services Director Dean Lagrotteria also commended the three members of the police department in a press release for their services to Westfield’s senior citizen population which includes more than 8,000 residents, substantially larger than the population of fewer than 6,000 school children in the city.
“Detective Bradley has always taken time out of her busy schedule to discuss complex cases and to follow up on crimes perpetrated against elders,” Lagrotteria said. “Her skill, insight and perseverance have helped to increase the safety and well being of elders in our community. In one case, her efforts lead to the prosecution, conviction and incarceration of an abuser. Her actions stopped the abuse and allowed the elder to remain safely at home.”
“Donna Suckau has been very helpful in helping Protective Services intervene on behalf of Elder Abuse victims,” Lagrotteria said. “Regardless of how busy she is, Ms. Suckau has been diligent in engaging with Protective Service, has offered guidance on domestic violence issues and provided safe meeting places to visit with elders. Ms. Suckau’s vast experience with Domestic Violence has helped elderly victims protect themselves and to obtain legal protection against their abusers.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Detective Todd Edwards on several different cases.” Lagrotteria said. “He has always made the effort to understand the best ways in which to work with our aging populations. Detective Edwards fully understands complex situations involving elders and defends their rights. As part of the Westfield Police Department, he has worked hand-in-hand with Protective Service Workers to ensure the safety and well being of elders within the community.”
