NEWS RELEASES from the Mayor's Office City of Knoxville, Tennessee Bill Haslam, Mayor

Efforts To End Domestic Violence Earns Employee Special Honors

KPD Officers of the Month Civilians of the Month February 9, 2005 - Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named David Kitts as the December 2004 Civilian Employee of the Month. Kitts is the training specialist for the Domestic Violence Unit and has been with the department since January 2002. Chief Owen said as training specialist Kitts has trained thousands of people on family violence issues. He has also led several committees that work toward ending family violence. Kitts was also the recipient of the Anita Gregg Award for 2004. The Community Coalition on Family Violence gives out this award each year to recognize agencies, corporations and individuals who have made significant contributions toward ending family violence in our community. David received the award due to his innovative and ongoing efforts to educate the community on family violence issues. Chief Owen said, "Due to David's diverse background in theology, he has done a tremendous job reaching out to the faith community by hosting three clergy conferences with over one-hundred attendees at each conference." "Those meetings have led to the formation of a Clergy Task Force Against Family Violence," said Chief Owen. Mayor Haslam said, "David's efforts are going a long way to reach out to the citizens of Knoxville and all of Tennessee as the battle to stop domestic violence continues. We appreciate his desire and dedication to make this a better place to live and work." David will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and the Chief along with a free dinner from Kingston Alley Grill.

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