PCCD Presents Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On behalf of Governor Tom Corbett, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) presented the Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards last week to three individuals in recognition of their work to enhance the lives of crime victims.

"As suggested by their name, the Pathfinder Awards recognize pioneering efforts to assist victims of crime," said PCCD Chairman Mark Zimmer. "It is important for us to honor those who have made notable contributions in the communities they serve, as well as the entire field of victim services."

The Pathfinder Survivor Activist Award was presented to Susan Curley Grady of Plains. Ms. Curley Grady became a homicide survivor when her brother, Robert Curley, was murdered by thallium poisoning in 1991. As a result, Ms. Curley Grady has fought to change laws to improve victims' rights, has become an activist in the victim service field for homicide victims, and has raised awareness regarding victim issues.

The Pathfinder Allied Professional Award was presented to Darlene Rowe of Lewisburg, a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) at the Evangelical Community Hospital. In 1994, Ms. Rowe spearheaded the movement at the hospital to create the formation of the first SANE program in the Commonwealth, which provides specialized care to victims who have suffered an extremely personal and intrusive sexual assault. Ms. Rowe's energy and commitment to these victims has greatly improved their medical and psychological care, resulting in less emotional trauma and increased reporting of these crimes. 

The Pathfinder Individual Direct Services Award was presented to Brooke Hedderick of Malvern. Ms. Hedderick has been employed at the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, Inc. for the last 16 years and currently serves as the managing supervisor. As the go-to person at the agency, Ms. Hedderick goes above and beyond to ensure that victims' rights and needs are met.      

The awards were presented on June 5 during PCCD's 13^th Pathways for Victim Services Conference at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in State College, Centre County. 

PCCD is the Commonwealth's lead agency for criminal justice policy issues. PCCD also provides essential support services to law enforcement agencies and offers financial assistance to victims of crime.

Media contact:  Luanne Melia, 717-265-8497

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency