Sgt. Leo Brunelle, Jr., Lake Mary Police Department, was named the top cop in Seminole County by Seminole State Attorney Norm Wolfinger Tuesday during his office’s observance of Victims’ Rights Week held in conjunction with the Seminole Sheriff’s Office at the Longwood Community Center.

Seminole Sheriff Don Eslinger explained the award that is called the "Hugh Thomas Memorial Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award" in honor of a deputy who gave his life in the line of duty. Brunelle has been with the Lake Mary department since 1993 and is a supervisor in the department’s criminal investigations division, but still works with victims of domestic violence, identity theft and other serious crimes.

The Attorney of the Year Award went to Assistant State Attorney Lymary Munoz who heads up the Seminole State Attorney’s Elder Services Unit. Munoz organized the county’s first World Elder Abuse Awareness event and is currently developing a Seminole County Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team, designed to be a frontline of defense and protection for elder residents.

Advocate of the Year was Susan Richards, a victim’s advocate for the state, and the Outstanding Service Award went to Yvonne Cunha, witness coordinator for the office.

The annual event honors professionals who advocate for the victims of crime by successfully investigating and prosecuting crimes while ensuring the victims are kept informed and treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. It is also designed to keep the victims of crimes foremost in the minds of those who represent them. The theme for this year’s event was "Every Victim; Every Time."

Special inspirational speaker at the event was Jude Stringfellow and her biped dog, Faith. The two have appeared on national programs and Jude Stringfellow is an author.