On Tuesday, December 21, 2010, Chief Bobby Ainsworth presented two of his employees, Tina Jordan and Dextris Barnett, with a Certificate of Commendation from a Domestic Abuse Family Shelter for Exemplary Action in responding to a Domestic Violence Call. 

This particular certificate is very rarely presented by the Domestic Violence Shelter,  according to Charles Howell, Victim Advocate with DAFS (Domestic Abuse Family Shelter). They usually only present four or five per year.  This is the first time that they have ever presented one to a dispatcher. 

Dextris has been a Police Officer with Taylorsville Police Department for 14 1/2 years and Tina has been a dispatcher with the Department for 2 years. 

DAFS is dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse by maintaining a program with a broad base of services, community support, as well as local and state involvement.  DAFS' purpose is to provide victims of domestic violence with the skills, tools, and understanding to make choices leading to violence-free living and to raise awareness of domestic violence in the community at large.

DAFS believes in the right of all persons to live without fear of abuse, oppression or violence.

DAFS supports respect and equality in relationships and believes that their services and programs should empower victims of domestic violence and prepare them to be self-sufficient.

For support or information on domestic violence, feel free to contact Taylorsville Police Department at 601-785-6622 or the 24 hour crisis hot line at the domestic abuse family shelter at 1-800-649-1092.