Attorney General Jason Miyares hosted the 7th annual Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony, recognizing Virginians who provide exemplary service and support to victims of crime in Virginia. The Office of the Attorney General established these awards to acknowledge Virginians who dedicate their work to support crime victims with trauma-informed responses in their recovery and healing journey.
"Unsung Heroes wake up each morning, not knowing what horrors or pain the work day could bring, but recognizing that there are crime victims in need of their support, advocacy, and care. The defining characteristic of our Unsung Heroes is their unconditional willingness to make a difference in the lives of those too often forgotten, their unconditional willingness to do what’s right. Their courage and commitment to making a positive impact in a crime victim’s life inspires me every day," said Attorney General Miyares.
Recipients of the 7th annual Unsung Heroes Awards include individuals like Jamie Abbott-Moore, Victim Witness Coordinator at the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, who is known for her dedication and support for crime victims. Investigator Natasha Chandler from the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, who goes above and beyond for victim services, and Angel Mefford, Director of Victim Services and Victim Advocate at Family Crisis Support Services in Wise County, who ensures each victim she serves is heard, understood, and valued.
Other awardees recognized at the ceremony were Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alycia Eldrige, Lieutenant Max Engel from the U.S. Navy Disciplinary Officer for the USS John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier, Shalise Figueroa, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and Deputy Bryce Gilbert from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Also honored were Scottie Hampton, Lead Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Rebecca Simmons, Executive Director at Valley Children’s Advocacy Center, Sergeant Norma McGuckin, Detective at Culpeper Police Department, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey from Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Latasha Powell-Mason, Assistant Director at Hampton Victim Services Unit.
Daisy Schuurman, Coordinator for the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Program at Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters Child Advocacy Center, and Major Nathan Cox, Operations Officer of the Marine Corps Victim Legal Counsel Organization, were also among the honorees at the event.
The dedication and commitment of these individuals to serving victims of crime in Virginia were recognized and celebrated at the 7th Annual Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony.