About 200 local victims' advocates gathered Tuesday at the Main Library Downtown to recognize some of their colleagues and celebrate the resiliency of victims of violent crime.
The Mayor's Victim Assistance Advisory Council presents the Crime Victims' Rights Week Awards Luncheon each year to raise awareness about the services and programs available to crime victims in Jacksonville and to recognize the contributions of individuals.
"We want them to know the community appreciates their efforts," said attorney Jay Howell, who serves on the advisory council.
"We live in a violent society and there are disturbed individuals out there. This gathering is populated by the people who are on the front lines with agencies that deal with violent crime and its aftermath," he said.
In addition to the award recipients pictured, Lysa Telzer was recognized as this year's Courageous Victim, WJXT TV-4 Assignment Manager Frank Powers was recognized with the 2013 Media Award and Isaac E. Brown Sr. received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Victims' Rights Week observance continues this week with a candlelight vigil scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Hemming Plaza. The public is invited to participate.
(904) 356-2466
Facebook.com/jaxdailyrecord