Each year in October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a ceremony is held at the Branch House Family Justice Center to present awards to local law enforcement officers and victim service providers who have provided exceptional assistance to domestic violence victims. The 19th Annual Service & Protection Awards were held Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The Mark Vance Memorial Award is named in honor of a Bristol Tennessee Police Department Officer who was killed in the line of duty upon responding to a domestic disturbance on November 27, 2004. Created in 2005, this award is given each year to an officer who exemplifies high standards, professionalism, and a strong dedication to ending the cycle of domestic violence in Sullivan County. This year’s recipient is Detective Kevin Ewing with the Kingsport Police Department.
The Steve Hinkle Professional Award is named in honor of a Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant who was killed in the line of duty on February 26, 2019, while conducting a welfare check. The award recognizes an officer or victim service provider who has provided exemplary support to victims over the past year. This year, the award was presented to Summer Dean, an Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator with the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office.
News media articles covering this event can be found at:
