By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open burning, the use of fireworks, portable fireplaces/fire pits and campfires in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
Douglas County Commissioners recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week alongside the 23rd Judicial DA’s Office, Sheriff Darren Weekly and advocacy groups
Posted on April 20, 2026 2026News and EventsPublic Safety
In Douglas County, we believe nobody should have to recover alone after being victimized.
In partnership with the 23rd Judicial District Attorney, Sheriff Darren Weekly, advocacy organizations From Silenced to Saved and Covered Colorado, Commissioners passed a resolution officially recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 – 25, 2026.
This year’s observance underscores the importance of collaboration and empowerment for all victims of crime and connecting victims to local resources to help them recover and rebuild.
“In law enforcement, our job is often measured by catching bad guys and putting them in jail, but we are truly measured by how we treat our victims,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “We are joined by agencies across the country to reaffirm our commitment to victims in our community, and to ensure that they are not an afterthought in our criminal justice system.”
From Silenced to Saved works in our community to provide a safe place for survivors so they can heal and thrive.
“At From Silenced To Saved (FSTS), we know that healing begins the moment a survivor is believed. This year’s theme, ‘Listen, Act, Advocate,’ reflects exactly what our mission stands for: ensuring survivors are heard, seen, and supported,” said Executive Director Jenelle Goodrich. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a powerful reminder that when we come together to listen, take meaningful action, and advocate for survivors’ voices, especially in spaces where they have been silenced, we turn silence into hope and survival into strength.”
Visit the From Silenced to Saved webpage.
Local nonprofit Covered Colorado, which provides support and resources for survivors of sex trafficking, works to raise awareness and promote healing and justice.
“Recognizing NCVRW is a powerful statement that victims matter, and their voices deserve to be heard,” said Heather Johnson, Development Director at Covered Colorado. “We are grateful to Dougals County for standing with survivors and supporting efforts to prevent sex trafficking and help survivors recover.”
Visit the Covered Colorado webpage.
“We live in a county that is deeply dedicated to public safety. Dougals County’s elected leaders are committed to supporting the rights of victims not just for a week but throughout the entire year,” said Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon. “Our Board shares that perspective by taking action. This last year alone, we approved a significant increase in funding for prosecutors for Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) professionals and for more detectives to go after these bad guys.”
“During Victims’ Rights Week, we reaffirm a simple but powerful truth: justice is not complete unless it includes compassion, dignity, and a voice for those who have been harmed,” said 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. “Our office remains committed not only to holding offenders accountable, but to standing alongside victims and their families—ensuring they are heard, supported, and never forgotten.”
Community members can participate by attending awareness events, sharing information on social media, and supporting local organizations that serve victims.
Be among the first to receive news as it happens. Subscribe to our online news push, and select your specific news focus and delivery preferences. Visit the Live Town Hall page and register for Town Hall notifications to ensure you are contacted to participate in future community conversations about topics important to you. Both services are free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. And don’t forget to follow Douglas County on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Sign Up Now!