Rockwall Police Detective Laurie Burks was recently recognized for her work on family violence in Rockwall County at the annual Vigil for Women in Need. Women in Need has established the Laurie Burks Beacon of Hope Award in her honor.
The award will be presented each year to people who show exceptional commitment to supporting victims and fighting family violence. Burks was named the first recipient.
Kerri New, board president of Women in Need, Inc., and Family Violence Division Chief at the Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney's Office, said Burks' dedication has stayed steady even as her role and responsibilities have changed. New said the award grew out of a conversation with Women in Need Executive Director Kristen Ostertag. New credited Burks' work with survivors and with holding offenders accountable.
The City of Rockwall congratulated Burks and thanked her for her work in the community.