Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch proudly recognized Detective Lawrence "Wulf” Bomke, recipient of the 2024 Don Thorpe Memorial Advocate of the Year Award.
On December 18, Detective Bomke received the Advocate of the Year Award as a Sangamon County Child Advocacy Team Member who demonstrates the following characteristics while working to make a difference in the lives of children: compassion, caring, empathy, dedication, commitment, passion, knowledge, warmth, and understanding.
Detective Bomke is a six-year veteran of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and holds multiple positions within the Sheriff’s Office. Those positions include ID technician, Field Training Officer, and a member of the Sangamon County Tactical Response Unit.
In 2023, Bomke was assigned to a new statewide task force for the Department of Child and Family Services where he worked closely with DCFS investigators. In October of 2023, Bomke was promoted to Detective and assigned to work cases in conjunction with DCFS and the Child Advocacy Center for child related crimes.
Bomke told Sheriff Crouch, "I’m extremely honored to receive the Advocate of the Year Award and proud to serve the people of Sangamon County”.
The Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, established in 1989, is dedicated to a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations in Logan, Sangamon, Christian, and Menard counties. The center provides a safe, child-focused setting for investigations of child abuse, ensures victims and their families receive quality services, and raises community awareness to combat child abuse.
The center also plays a critical role in reducing trauma for children through its comprehensive services and collaborative approach. By working with law enforcement, medical professionals, and social services, the CAC seeks to provide resources that promote healing and foster resilience in young victims.
Sheriff Paula Crouch congratulated Bomke on receiving the honor and reflected on her own time working with the CAC. "I had the privilege of being assigned to the Child Advocacy Center earlier in my career, and I know firsthand how critical this work is in protecting and supporting the most vulnerable members of our community," Crouch said. "Deputy Bomke's dedication and compassion exemplify the values we strive for in law enforcement, and I am proud to see him receive this well-deserved recognition."
