HUTCHINSON Kan. — Hutchinson Police Sergeant Eric Buller was recognized this week for his service to crime victims as part of the annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced today.
Sergeant Buller was notified by the attorney general’s office this week in lieu of an in-person awards ceremony typically held during the state’s annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference that he has received the Outstanding Criminal Justice Victim Service Award for Law Enforcement.
Buller serves as the liaison between his department and Brighthouse, the agency that provides crisis services to victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Hutchinson area. Buller facilitates frequent and reliable communication between the two entities, as well as assists new officers in becoming acquainted with the importance of Brighthouse’s services and trains them on practices of increasing victim safety and offender accountability.
“Throughout his long career in law enforcement, Sergeant Buller has been a local champion for victims. He believes strongly in victim advocacy and it shows in his work," Brighthouse Director Donna Davis said. "He goes to every length within his power to ensure victims are safe, informed, and provided with support.”
The annual recognition of those who provide outstanding service to victims of crime was scheduled to take place at the 23rd Annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference hosted by the governor and attorney general. The conference was to take place April 1-2 in Wichita, but was canceled due to the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.