Centenary police detective honored at annual awards ceremony
SHREVEPORT, LA — Detective Heather Boucher, a six year veteran of Centenary’s Department of Public Safety, is one of two recipients of the 2017 Trey Hutchison Award given by the Caddo/Bossier Domestic Violence Task Force, Inc. The award recognizes local law enforcement officers who champion justice for domestic violence victims and their families in Caddo and Bossier Parish and those whose work contributes significantly to domestic violence prevention.
“I am overwhelmed and humbled to receive this award,” said Boucher. “This kind of work is really why I went into law enforcement: to be able to advocate for those in need and to make a real difference in communities through education and prevention. I am honored to be recognized for doing what I love, but this work is truly a team effort and I am part of an amazing and supportive team at Centenary.”
Boucher was honored at the annual Trey Hutchison Awards Ceremony held Friday, October 27 at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant in Shreveport. Centenary Police Chief Eddie Walker nominated Boucher for the award to recognize her tireless efforts to educate Centenary students about dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
“While working for the Centenary College police department, Detective Boucher has gone well beyond the extra mile to prevent and combat domestic violence on campus,” wrote Walker as part of the nomination. “First and foremost, she considers the student who attend Centenary to be her own children and you’ve never seen a more protective ‘momma bear.’ One of the things that makes Detective Boucher so valuable to our department and to the campus is that she goes out of her way to form relationships with our students.”
Walker noted that Boucher sets up individual meetings with athletic teams, fraternities and sororities, and other student organizations to ensure that all students understand what dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are, how to avoid them, and what steps to take if they are a victim or know someone who has been a victim of any of these crimes. Walker estimates that Boucher has spoken to more than 400 students this semester, mostly after normal working hours.
“She makes sure that students know that if they need to file a report or just need someone to talk to, she’ll meet them anywhere, anytime,” says Walker. “Because Detective Boucher has this relationship with the student body, we often have victims or their friends come forward that otherwise might not, allowing us to investigate the crime and get the victim the help they need.”
Walker also sees a larger significance in Boucher’s work to educate students about domestic violence issues, one that intersects with Centenary’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders.
“The students who attend Centenary will eventually graduate and become citizens of their respective communities,” says Walker. “Having this knowledge will help them make better decisions and be advocates for those in need. I’m proud and honored to have Detective Boucher leading this important work as part of my team.”
The Trey Hutchison Award is given annually by the Caddo/Bossier Domestic Violence Taskforce to honor the memory of Bossier City policeman Trey Hutchison, who was killed in August 2004 as he responded to a domestic violence call for assistance. Deputy Kelly Downey of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office received the award alongside Boucher this year.