Attorney General James Uthmeier marked National Crime Victims’ Rights Week during a Tallahassee event that not only recognized the victims of crime, but prosecutors and law enforcement personnel as well.
A sizable crowd gathered inside the Capitol building as Uthmeier led an annual ceremony that honors victims of crime and their families, who are often left to deal with the aftermath in violent attacks.
Uthmeier also held an awards ceremony for advocates who help victims cope with the impacts of crime, as well as other professionals who deal with recovery.
Uthmeier said his Office has worked hard during his tenure to cut down crime in the Sunshine State.
“We’ve made this the safest state in the country by focusing on prosecuting crime to the fullest,” Uthmeier said.
The event culminated with Uthmeier bestowing Distinguished Victims Service Awards to law enforcement and victims advocate personnel who have helped victims throughout the state.
Those who received the award include Cpl. Amanda Baranowski of the Tampa Police Department, Det. Stephen Buscemi of the Palm Beach Police Department, Det. Cora Milliken of Green Cove Springs Police Department, and Commander Daniel Mosquera of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
“These law enforcement officers and victim advocates meet victims on the worst days of their lives and make the choice to fight for them every day,” Uthmeier said. “It is an honor to recognize them for their service to our great state. We will stand together to ensure victims’ rights come first.”
Uthmeier also distributed the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award to victim advocates, including Fawn Bascom, Dana Milton, Britney Noyes and Annalise Spotts of the Tallahassee Police Department Victim Advocates Unit, Johanne Baxter of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Rose Desmornes of the Pembroke Pines Police Department.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been in place since 1981.