A case manager for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services was honored with the 2019 General William C. Whitesell Award, which is given out annually by the Rutherford County Coalition Against Child Abuse during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
"The mission of the Rutherford County Coalition Against Child Abuse is to provide education and promote community services toward prevention, identification and treatment of child abuse," said Coalition Chairperson Brittnie Noble.
Venessa Hyer was chosen by members of the Rutherford County Coaltion Against Child Abuse because of her work with the Department of Children’s Services.
She was honored when the Rutherford County Coalition Against Child Abuse hosted the Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-off at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 1 at the Murfreesboro Police Department.
Hyer was slected from a slate of nominees who have worked tirelessly to respond to child abuse cases.
The 2019 award nominees were:
• Venessa Hyer, Department of Children’s Services,
• Shirley Key, Smyrna Police Department, and
Hyer was nominated by members of the Rutherford County Coaltion Against Child Abuse.
The event was open to the public and the community was encouraged to attend and show their support of child abuse victims and the professionals who are dedicated to providing safety, justice, and healing for child victims.
The Presentation of Colors was conducted by Riverdale High School JROTC. The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Det. Tommy Roberts from Murfreesboro Police Department.
Sgt. Paul Mongold, his daughter Miss Aida Mongold, and Det. Michael Yates daughter Emma Yates concluded the event by raising the Children’s Memorial Flag. The flag symbolizes children lost to violence.
The next monthly meeting will be held April 30, 2019 at 9:00 am at Murfreesboro City School District located at 2552 South Church Street.
