FBI Honors Oregon Woman for Her Work with Victims

More than 20 years ago, June Vining wanted to do more to help the survivors of trauma in our region.

The Troutdale woman, whose husband is a police detective, realized that survivors of trauma are often left without support once first responders are gone.

From that realization, Trauma Intervention Program of Portland Vancouver was born to help survivors in the region.

The group's volunteers are often called by first responders and help survivors with everything from helping make funeral arrangements to notifying family members to even helping with crime scene clean-up.

They have more than 200 trained volunteers and are the largest and busiest chapter in the country.

And her work has received notice.

Not only does she travel the country giving talks and helping other chapters, last week FBI Director James Comey presented her with the Community Leadership Award.

"June says that her volunteers are there to help people on what can be the worst day of their lives. When her own family suffered a tragedy, she turned that experience into more than two decades of dedicated service to thousands of others. It is a testament to both her personal strength and goodness of spirit," said Greg Bretzing, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

"She exemplifies the true spirit of leadership."