Two CWU Police officers have received nationwide recognition for their involvement with the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Systems of Self Defense. At the organization’s recent 19th annual conference in Albuquerque, N.M., Captain Jason Berthon-Koch and Officer Todd Ames were honored for their longtime service as R.A.D. instructors.

Berthon-Koch received the Susan B. Anthony Award, presented to recognize an officer for sacrifice, accumulated contributions, and consistent support to the R.A.D. organization and its mission. Ames was awarded the R.A.D. Aggressor Award, which goes to instructors for promoting awareness and education surrounding personal safety for promotion of the safety programs in the community.

R.A.D.’s stated goal is to make violence an unacceptable part of everyday life. Executive board member Kathy Wright, the organization’s Women’s Programs director and a former police officer herself, added that, “We’re fortunate to have them both as part of the R.A.D. Systems alliance.” 

R.A.D. is the largest network of its kind with more than 11,000 instructors at colleges and universities, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations worldwide. It is the only self-defense program to be endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

CWU Chief Michael Luvera noted, “Our department will continue to identify ways in which we can expand R.A.D. courses to meet our high demand. R.A.D. helps us fulfill our mission of working in partnership with the campus and Ellensburg communities to continue to have the safe and secure environment we enjoy [at Central].”

Since its inception in 1989, more than 900,000 women reportedly have received training through R.A.D., which also offers instruction for children, men, and seniors.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, director of radio services and integrated communications, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

August 9, 2016