Please join us in congratulating Julie Hahn on her recent retirement as the Victim Assitance Coordinator with the Rawlins Police Department. Julie helped begin the Victim’s Assistance Program for Law Enforcement in Carbon County when she began volunteering in 1994, prior to the creation of the modern Victim’s Advocates system in Wyoming. She was an integral part of shaping the Victim’s Assistance program into the asset it is today. She has been instrumental in the organization of the DUI Victim Impact Panel, National Night Out, and various educational campaigns.
“This month, we say goodbye to Julie, one of the longest-serving member of our Police Department, who has spent three decades advocating for and representing victims of crime. We can’t thank Julie enough for serving the victims of crime, the community, and the Police Department. It takes a special person to dedicate their entire professional life to helping other people,” said Police Chief Michael Ward.
Julie grew up in Illinois and studied Criminal Justice at Triton College, River Grove, Illinois. She moved with her husband to Rawlins in 1980 to be near family and for her husband’s job. She worked for Carbon County COVE, a non-profit organization that offers help to individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 1995, she joined the staff of the Rawlins Police Department as one of the original two Victim Advocates.
Over her years of service, she has seen the courts and officers rely more on the advocacy and expertise of the Victims Advocates. She has assisted victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, property damage, accidents, theft, and a hostage situation. In 2003, Julie earned the highest certification from the National Advocate Credentialing Program based on her ongoing training and experience. Austyn Tuttle, an RPD Victim Advocate coworker of Julie’s, remarked, “In one year with Julie, I learned a lot about people. She is dedicated to the whole team and is always willing to help out.”
Julie shared that the best part of the job is the satisfaction that comes from being part of the process that helps people move on to the other side. She is still in contact with many of the people she helped throughout her service. Even though the job requires being on call and working late hours when needed, Julie always felt it was worth it. Julie shared, “The hardest part of the job is being exposed to things that still bother me, seeing the dark side of humanity. However, the good we do outweighs the bad that we experience as we help people in the community.”
Julie was awarded the Max Dutton Award for the City of Rawlins in 2020, a prestigious award given to employees who exemplify honest and efficient government, accountability and responsiveness, and maximizing one’s potential. Julie looks forward to joining her husband in retirement, visiting her grandchildren, exploring the magical world of Disney, and enjoying the extra time at Seminoe Boat Club. Julie, thank you for your years of dedication and enjoy your well-deserved retirement.
As we bid farewell to Julie, we invite those who are passionate about making a difference to consider applying for her position. Consider joining the Rawlins Police Department today and advocating for victims in our community.
For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022. Interested in receiving news from the City? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.”
