Verizon Wireless' HopeLine Program Honors Nebraska Law Enforcement Officers Who Aid Victims Of Domestic Violence

OMAHA, NE and BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless presented three Omaha Police Officers, Wendi Dye, Christopher McElligott and Richard Raper, with its HopeLine^® Law Enforcement Partnership Award last night during the YWCA-Omaha's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program's annual volunteer recognition dinner.

The three officers were selected for their efforts as "first responders" to domestic violence situations by aiding victims with vital resources for safety, services and other needed assistance. Verizon Wireless presented the award, along with a $10,000 financial grant to the YWCA-Omaha for its domestic violence awareness and prevention efforts.

"We are proud to honor these three officers for their outstanding efforts to ensure that victims of domestic violence have the resources they need to talk with trained advocates and develop a safety plan or access other services they may need," said Nancy B. Clark, president—Great Plains region, Verizon Wireless. "With the Omaha Police Department reporting an average of 400 domestic abuse cases each month, the advocacy, counseling and emergency services provided by the YWCA-Omaha are an important community resource."

The HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award honors the efforts of public safety personnel and organizations across the country committed to reducing domestic violence, providing support to victims, raising awareness of the issue and educating communities about domestic violence. Previous HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award recipients include: Worcester, Mass., Police Chief Gary Gemme; the New Orleans Police Foundation and the Domestic Violence Task Force of the New Orleans Police Department; and former Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist.

Verizon Wireless is a recognized corporate leader for its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue through the company's exclusive HopeLine program. HopeLine collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores. Most phones and equipment are refurbished and sold with the proceeds used to purchase newer wireless phones for domestic violence survivors and to provide financial support to non-profit advocacy agencies. Remaining phones are recycled in an environmentally sound way.

For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

Editor's Note: High-resolution stills of the HopeLine Award presentation are available online. Log on to Verizon Wireless' Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia to request images.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 59 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 65,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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