Detective Brad Timmons was recently honored at the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) annual conference with the 2007 Harold Cottle Justice Award.

Timmons is the department director for Odessa's Medical Center Hospital's Safety and Security. During the last two years, he convinced his local police administration to allow him and the sexual assault nurse examiner to teach every month during the mandatory in-service for the officers and administration.

He has also prepared policy and procedure for the department in regards to sexual assault, which was not established until 2007.

Timmon's scope of service runs far beyond responding to a call or putting someone in jail. His true desire and passion is to help the victims in his community.

Annette Burrhus-Clay, TAASA executive director, said, "Timmon's commitment to justice and his sensitivity and perseverance have been a great service to victims of sexual assault. He is an asset to the law enforcement community"

The 26th annual TAASA conference, March 10-13 in Irving, was themed "Prevention and Advocacy: Partners for Change." Many of this year's trainings hinged on the partnerships sexual assault service providers must make to effectively serve their community.

The TAASA is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas.

Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development.

Additional information about TAASA can be found at www.taasa.org.