Community Champion Spotlight: Billy Hare and Sheri Lochridge
/To honor Human Trafficking Awareness Month, each week in January we will be highlighting 2 individuals who have gone above and beyond in the Greater New Orleans community to serve victims and survivors of human trafficking. This highlight is the “Community Champion Spotlight”. Each individual was nominated by Task Force members. Community champions represent a variety of different disciplines and perspectives from the anti-trafficking movement.
Our first highlight features members of our lead Task Force agencies. Both were nominated because of their leadership, commitment to treating victims/survivors with dignity, and dedication to collaboration. Both are individuals who have made themselves available all hours of the day and are known as people you can count on to help out in any situation. They are Lt. Billy Hare of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Sheri Lochridge of Covenant House New Orleans.
Thank you Billy and Sheri for all you do for our community! We're so lucky to have you in the Greater New Orleans community.
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Lieutenant Billy Hare
Commander (Vice Division), Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
"I know if I need support right away, it's just a phone call away- day or night."
What is your role in the Greater New Orleans community?
Commanding and supervising the lead law enforcement agency for the GNOHTTF and making sure that the best collaborative efforts are in place between other law enforcement agencies and our service providers. I continually provide training to front line officers of the indicators of human trafficking.
What has been your most successful experience working in the anti-trafficking movement?
I've been working in the anti-trafficking movement for the past 16 years and over that time I have never experienced a more stronger collaborative effort of fighting human trafficking in our area than I have now with the GNOHTTF. When the leaders of the task force meet each month, I feel more comfortable each month that we are moving in the right direction to rescue victims and to put away those who have affected their lives.
What has been your favorite aspect of collaborating among task force partners?
I know if I need support right away, it's just a phone call away- day or night. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Attorney's Office, Covenant House of New Orleans, The Kenner Police Department, The Gretna Police Department, the Plaquemines Sheriff's Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office are by our sides.
What are Task Force members saying about Billy?
"Billy shows deep respect during his investigations into potential trafficking cases. He treats each potential victim he encounters with dignity, respect and kindness. His dedication of 15+ years has made him an irreplaceable resource on trafficking investigations for law enforcement in New Orleans."
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Sheri Lochridge
Senior Human Trafficking Case Manager, Covenant House New Orleans
"As a former foster care child, former homeless youth, and former Covenant House resident, it’s a privilege to serve this population."
What is your role in the Greater New Orleans community?
I am the lead human trafficking case manager for Covenant House, working directly with clients that are survivors or at-risk of trafficking. I have left myself available 24/7, always ready to assist with new and existing clients. We have assisted with identification, awareness, and referrals, throughout the community. Clients have been transported/relocated back home to family, safe-undisclosed locations, and other housing programs.
What has been your favorite aspect of collaborating among task force partners?
No one person and/or agency can fight trafficking alone. It takes a village, or in our case a task force. The more partners, the more resources! It is essential to collaborate to better serve the clients and ensure their needs are fully met.
Anything else you'd like to share?
As a former foster care child, former homeless youth, and former Covenant House resident, it’s a privilege to serve this population. I am very passionate about the task force efforts. We saw significant anti trafficking laws go into effect in 2018, and hope camaraderie continues through 2019!
What are Task Force members saying about Sheri?
"Sheri is available 24/7 and is willing to go to the ends of the earth to help the survivors day or night. People often say she is like an emergency room- always ready to serve someone no matter what. She also will help anyone who asks for assistance- whether it's law enforcement, a victim, or a provider."
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