Shakopee Snapshot: Summer 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY Shakopee’s victim services coordinator honored by Congress Hedstrom receives award for outstanding victim advocacy

Program, which provides scholarships to qualifying individuals who are seeking alcohol or substance treatment and recovery. Hedstrom is also heavily involved with the Minnesota Alliance on Crime, a statewide coalition of victim service organizations, and serves as the president of its board of directors. “Almost 10 years ago, Shakopee’s police department was the first in the state to staff a victim services coordinator,” said City Administra tor Bill Reynolds. “This innovative action, with the full support of City Council, was a game changer. Since that time, Barb has supported countless victims and had an immense impact on both our police department and the community. She is so deserving of this award, and we are proud to have her working in the City of Shakopee.” Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate said Hedstrom displays a deep com mitment to supporting victims of crime and ensuring each person has access to the resources they need. “We couldn’t be more proud of Barb and the positive impact she’s had on so many individuals who find themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances,” Tate said. “She is incredibly worthy of this prestigious award, and our department is incredibly fortunate to benefit from her passion and legacy.” Hedstrom’s position continues to be unique, as only two municipal police departments in the state have a victim services advocate on staff. “The foresight of the Chief and the City Council to create and fund this position is huge and unique,” Hedstrom said. “Law enforcement based victim services are a great opportunity to have initial conver sations with crime victims to identify and hopefully address their trauma earlier rather than later.”

Shakopee Police Department Victim and Community Services Coor dinator Barb Hedstrom was honored in April at the U.S. Capitol with the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy. Members of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus presented Hedstrom with the award alongside Shakopee’s congres sional representative, Rep. Angie Craig, who nominated Hedstrom for the recognition earlier this year. “For me, it was awesome to go to Washington and meet some of these other national level victim advocates and professionals,”Hedstrom said. Hedstrom has been in the role of victim and community services coor dinator for nine years. During that time, she played an integral role in establishing the Shakopee Police Department’s Recovery Assistance

Shakopee’s Barb Hedstrom (second from left) is pictured in Washington, D.C., with (from left) Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, Rep. Angie Craig, and Rep. Jim Costa

Join the Shakopee Fire Department and Shakopee Parks and Recre ation from 5–7 p.m. Friday, July 12, for a free pop-up splash pad in the back parking lot of the Community Center. The Fire Department will have its water truck and hoses hooked up to various splash pad components, allowing kids and adults alike to splash around and get up close to a fire truck. Free snacks and refreshments will be available while supplies last. Community members are encouraged to bring towels, blankets, or chairs for sitting. You’re invited to a free pop-up splash pad

Cool down with Shakopee firefighters at this year’s pop-up splash pad.

14 Shakopee Snapshot