CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Federal, state and local law enforcement officers, as well as victim advocates and criminal justice professionals, are being recognized for their service and leadership in the community.
More than 60 people were honored Thursday during the 2017 Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.
The event is hosted each year by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
“Without them, I couldn’t do my job,” said U.S. Attorney Carol Casto, who presented the awards. “Without them, our communities wouldn’t be as safe. They protect our families, our children, our communities, our schools. We can’t give them enough credit for the work they do.”
Awards were presented to those who worked on major cases involving drug crime, violent crime, white collar crime and child exploitation.
The Law Enforcement Agency of the Year Award was presented to the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Former Charleston Police Capt. Eric Johnson received the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. The Distinguished Law Enforcement & Community Service Award went to former Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster.
Other awards included Crime Victim Service Award, Allied Professional Award, Federal Service Awards, Volunteer for Victims Award and the Special Courage Award.
Casto said these recipients go above and beyond the call of duty.
“They make enormous sacrifices. They always put their families and themselves behind everyone else. No matter where the danger arises, they are there to serve and protect,” she said.