Det. Billy Turner, Ardmore Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, has been commended by C/SARA Foundation for “His persistence in defending and protecting children.”
Turner was assigned the lead role in the APD Children’s Victim Unit in January. Since that time he has logged more than 59 hours of specialized training in child crimes. He is also slated to attend additional multidisciplinary team training within the next few weeks.
“Billy’s dedication to the children and families of Ardmore is to be commended,” said C/SARA Executive Director Sissy Burge. “It takes a special person to deal with these types of cases on a daily basis.”
Turner said receiving recognition from C/SARA, “ ... is a wonderful thing. But this is about protecting kids and it (the job) is more than just myself — it’s a group effort.”
Turner serves as part of the Multidisciplinary Team, which Burge said depends on law enforcement officers, like Turner, to “appropriately” investigate crimes against children.
“Because of the complexity of the types of cases we investigate, training is an essential component of our success. Billy eagerly attends any training opportunities to expand his knowledge regarding child abuse investigations,” Burge said.
“The use of the Children’s Advocacy Center is a routine part of his investigation. You learn to appreciate professionals, like Billy, who are passionate about the mission of the Multidisciplinary Team and conducting investigations correctly.”
Turner called the multidisciplinary team approach “very beneficial” to the success of his investigations.
“We meet the first Wednesday of every month. It’s a chance to interact with other agencies. It’s a flow for information and a chance to brainstorm ideas and methods to reach the common goal, which is to protect the child,” he said.
The detective called C/SARA a “wonderful tool” in the fight against crimes against children, adding he feels “fortunate to be involved in a relationship with C/SARA.”
For Turner, his assignment to the APD Children’s Victim Unit is more than a job.
“It’s the satisfaction of protecting children and righting wrongs,” he said.
Interim APD Chief Gary Adams said he was pleased Turner’s work had been spotlighted and added his own high praise of Turner and his devotion to his job.
“With the passing of each day I am becoming more excited and pleased to be with the Ardmore Police Department because of the likes of Billy Turner. Ardmore has some of the finest police officers I’ve ever been associated with. Many are very active within the community and their churches, helping to make life better and safer for many within Ardmore,” Adams said.
“Billy is a prime example of what I’m referencing. Billy has a passion to make life better for all the little kids, that’s why he’s in the trenches with them wherever they are. Billy is assigned to handle most of the juvenile and sex crimes, though he does much of his service to kids on his own time. He’s truly a blessing to little kids and the City of Ardmore.”
Marsha Miller 221-1681
