LPD Detective receives 2020 Cherish the Children Award

July 14, 2020 | Press Release

The South Plains Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention, Lubbock Area United Way, and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce presented the annual Cherish the Children award today to Lubbock Police Department Detective Kyle Purdue. This award is presented annually by the South Plains Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention (SPCCAP) as a part of the Go Blue Lubbock campaign in recognition of local individuals in the community who go above and beyond in their work and advocacy to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

Detective Purdue is a Texas Tech Graduate and a 13-year veteran of the Lubbock Police Department. He currently serves as a Tactical Flight Officer in the Special Operations Division, Narcotics and Vice Unit where he serves as a taskforce liaison with the DPS helicopter unit. Throughout his career, Detective Purdue has come in contact with child abuse and neglect and seen the need for preventative measures to help families and children the community.  From this experience, he developed ideas and processes for law enforcement agencies to be an integral part of increasing the use of car seats in the community.  

Carla Olson of the Parenting Cottage said, “Detective Purdue envisioned this work could be implemented and become a grassroots community policing effort to improve the safety of children in the community. His dedication and innovative approach to pursuing a way to get young children in car seats is unique and shows a great promise as a best practice for other communities to replicate and follow.”

The child abuse and neglect rates in Lubbock County are nearly double the state average with an average of three children becoming confirmed victims every day. Car seats provide a simple and safe way to help protect children and families. 

Mayor Dan Pope spoke about the importance GO BLUE Lubbock has on our community and the ways that we can continue to fight child abuse on the South Plains. Pope said, “I’m very proud of the people like Detective Purdue that speak out and demand change daily. Our community relies on us to continue to advocate for child abuse and neglect.”  

Previous award honoree Senator Charles Perry also presented Detective Purdue with a Proclamation from the Texas House of Representative John Frullo honoring Detective Purdue’s efforts.

About the South Plains Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention

SPCCAP is a coalition of entities and agencies that serve children and families and advocate for children's issues. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy SPCCAP aims to prevent the abuse and neglect of South Plains area children. For more information on the South Plains Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention please contact Carla Olson, Chairman at carla.olson@parentingcottage.org

About Lubbock Area United Way

Since 1946, Lubbock Area United Way has worked to address the root issues of the most significant challenges facing our South Plains communities to create lasting, positive change. The keys to United Way’s success are its long-term partnerships with its Community Partner Agencies and involvement with various local coalitions. More about Lubbock Area United can be learned at www.liveunitedlubbock.org

About the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is a pro-business, pro-growth, and pro-jobs facilitator preserving the competitive enterprise system of Lubbock’s business environment. More about the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce can be learned at www.lubbockchamber.com