Victim-witness lead Colleen Vogel has been named Outstanding Victim Advocate within the Public Sector by the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance at the group’s annual conference this week in Keystone.
District Attorney George Brauchler with advocate Colleen Vogel
Vogel joined the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in 2007, working in the Special Victims Unit.
Vogel’s colleagues nominated her for the award, which honors an individual in a government agency who has made a significant impact on the lives of victims of crime.
“The unit in our office that handles the most horrible crimes against children sees prosecutors and investigators rotate in and out, because it is so demanding and emotionally taxing. There is one constant: Colleen Vogel. For 12 years, she has set the standard for commitment to assisting the most vulnerable and abused in our community,” said District Attorney George Brauchler. “She never complains. She is seemingly unaffected by the passage of time or the volume of her caseload. Colleen Vogel is the gold standard and our community and our office are better for having her here.”
Vogel’s colleagues described her as a “silent warrior for victims” and “a rock on the SVU team.”
She goes the extra mile for victims and provides the best service to them throughout a difficult court process. She supports others on the prosecution team, learning the facts of the cases she is assigned and fostering relationships with other agencies.
As strong as she is, Vogel show great compassion when working with victims of crime. She listens to them and steers them to services. As one victim said, “she makes you feel like she is a friend more than just an advocate.”
Vogel is both quiet and humble: She doesn’t seek accolades but just wants to get back to work.
“I am honored beyond words to be nominated for this award, let alone receive it,” she said. “I have been privileged to work with so many talented and devoted colleagues over the years. Any success I have is due in large part to their support, and to the strength I take from the courage of our amazing victims.”