State Attorney Norm Wolfinger and Seminole Sheriff Don Eslinger

Name Top Cop, Advocates, Attorney, During Victims’ Rights Week

State Attorney Norm Wolfinger and Seminole Sheriff Don Eslinger named Seminole Sheriff’s Office Investigator Shannon Seiple as the Hugh E. Thomas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the 2011 National Crime Victims’ Rights Award Luncheon. Investigator Seiple was praised for her "above and beyond the call of duty" efforts on behalf of domestic violence victims.

The theme for the week was "Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past" and was reinforced by luncheon speaker, Jennifer Dritt, Executive Director of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. Crime victims and the top professionals who support and work directly with them were recognized by Wolfinger in his Brevard and Seminole offices at separate luncheons in both counties last week.

Assistant State Attorney Chris White, Wolfinger’s chief of staff for the Seminole office, was selected to receive the Outstanding Leadership Award. White, a prosecutor in Brevard and Seminole counties for the past 35 years, will be retiring this year.

Assistant State Attorney Stacey Salmons was named the Attorney of the Year and Maria Lemon was selected as the Advocate of the Year from the State Attorney’s staff. Rebecca Crawford, Child Advocate Program Director for the Kids House of Seminole, was selected as the Victim Advocate of the Year-External Services.

The Outstanding Service Award when to State Attorney’s Office Felony Intake Secretary Jessica Matias.

Pictured are: (l to r)Seminole Sheriff's Capt. Dennis Lemma, Assistant State Attorney Chris White, Advocate Marie Lemon, Investigator Shannon Seiple, Assistant State Attorney Stacey Salmons, SAO's Jessica Matias, Program Director Rebecca Crawford from Seminole's Kids' House, and State Attorney Norm Wolfinger.

Second picture: Assistant State Attorney Chris White, chief of staff for the Seminole State Attorneys Office, and State Attorney Norman Wolfinger.