Oakland County Officials to Present Victim Services Distinction Awards

On Thursday, April 17, in recognition of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, April 6-12, 2014, Oakland County Officials will honor outstanding individuals and one organization for their extraordinary work on behalf of crime victims.

This year’s honorees for the Victims Services Distinction Awards include: Parents of Murdered Children, Inc.; Oakland County Sheriff Deputy Jason Dalbec;  Dr. Bonita Laudeman, Oakland County Sheriff Office Chaplain; and  Vivian Steinhilper, Victim Advocate with Common Ground.

The Victims Services Distinction Awards will be presented by Oakland County Officials at 9:30 a.m., in the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Auditorium, located at 1200 North Telegraph Road, in Pontiac, Michigan.

The adoption of Commissioner Jim Runestad’s resolution No. 12269 established the Victim Services Distinction Awards in December 2012. This award focuses on the importance of service providers and their contributions to the more than 4,700 individuals who become victims of crime each year. This award is supported by the Board of Commissioners who also supported the resolution.

“The individuals and organization that we are honoring are prime examples of what is possible when one dedicates their time and effort to help crime victims. It is their passion and commitment to serve that I applaud. It is always important to honor those who recognize that one may be victimized but does not have to remain a victim. The honorees help victims reclaim their lives by bringing justice and dignity to the process. This is what our honorees do daily in their volunteer and professional roles,” Reunestad said.

Runestad has collaborated with Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard and Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica R. Cooper to recognize those who provide valuable services to crime victims. Bouchard and Cooper were instrumental in the selection of the award recipients, for their Professional Innovation in Victim Services.

“It is a privilege to be able to recognize and honor the organization, Parents of Murdered Children, Inc., and our other individual honorees, Vivian Steinhilper of Common Ground, Dr. Bonita Laudeman, one of our Chaplain volunteers, and our own Detective Jason Dalbec,” Bouchard said. “Their collective work as advocates for victims of major crimes is truly impressive and so necessary for the families and victims who suffer long after a crime has occurred.”

“Bringing justice to victims of crime in our county goes beyond the courtroom. It includes providing emotional support and assistance to those facing the loss of a loved one, while working to create a world free of violence through awareness, education, and prevention,” Cooper said.