Tuscaloosa Group Donates $17K To Human Trafficking Task Force

The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force has had a busy year, but the hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. On Thursday, the Tuscaloosa chapter of Soroptimist International presented the specialized unit with a check for $17,000, which was raised over the course of the last year in an effort to provide needed monetary support to a cause they deemed worthy.

Kacie Obradovich represented the group at the check presentation, which was held at the Northport Police Department, and praised the mission of the Task Force.

"We've been doing brunches for years to raise money for causes," she told Patch. "In talking about what’s on our hearts and what we wanted to contribute to our community, we knew human trafficking was a really big deal and we wanted to contribute, so when we went to our local businesses and asked for donations, they were really supportive of this cause."

Lt. Darren Beams, the commander of the Task Force, referenced the recent bust conducted by the unit and praised the efforts of his team, which is made up of investigators from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Northport Police Department, the University of Alabama Police Department and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

Beams was also sure to thank both Soroptimist International for their donation, along with a donation of a vehicle by Stanley Fowler of Northwood Auto Sales.

"The local chapter felt led to raise funds for our Task Force and they just knocked it out the ballpark," he told Patch on Thursday. "Along with that, (Fowler) donated us a vehicle. He had been approached by Soroptimist International and he was overjoyed to donate us a vehicle that we have already used many times. We're just grateful for what they've done for us."

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Both Fowler and Obradovich were presented with plaques as a token of gratitude from the unit.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley also saluted both the efforts of the Task Force and the generosity shown by so many in the community to help support their mission.

"I speak for myself and the other chiefs and sheriff in the room, this Task Force does so much and they do other duties on top of it, so it isn't just something they do every single day, they go above and beyond to make sure human trafficking doesn’t exist here in Tuscaloosa," Blankley said. "Their dedication is noted, we appreciate their hard work and we appreciate supporters that do things behind the scenes."

He then said with the issue of human trafficking coming to the forefront as more investigative efforts across the country are fine-tuned to better combat it, the region can count itself lucky to have a Task Force dedicated to working each day to make a difference.

"It seems like nationally we’ve seen a lot more about human trafficking and are becoming more aware and a lot of that is because of what the Task Force, like what Lt. Beams does," Blankley said. "If you look around the state, they’re the best in the state and we’re very lucky to have them and will continue to support them in any way possible."

For those in the community who wish to learn more about human trafficking, the Task Force will host an informational class on Sept. 22 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa River Market, with the goal of educating adults first, before eventually expanding and taking an age-appropriate angle in educating children and teenagers. The event will focus on how trafficking happens, signs and indicators of trafficking, how to identify dangerous activity and what to do when you suspect human trafficking is going on in your area.

To register for the event, email ablalock@cityofnorthport.com.