Brevard Sheriff’s Lt. Tod Goodyear was selected as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by State Attorney Norm Wolfinger during the 2007 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Luncheon and Awards Ceremony Wednesday at the Rialto Hilton in Melbourne.

Goodyear, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 21 years, heads his agency’s Special Victim’s Unit and Sexual Offender Registration Tracking Unit, as well as serving as a lieutenant in criminal investigations and supervising the Internet Crimes Against Children unit. He serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Children’s Advocacy Center and conducts training for professionals in law enforcement and the medical field in sexual assault investigations and protective children’s services.

Assistant State Attorney Rob Parker was designated Attorney of the Year. Parker was cited for his prosecution of three murder trials in the past year and his intensive work with victims in the cases he handles. He is a felony division chief in Wolfinger’s office.

The program was dedicated to Kathy King, former Victims Services Coordinator for the State Attorney’s Office, who died two months ago. The Victim Advocate of the Year Award was renamed in her honor, and went to Lisa DeAnda, leader of the office’s crisis intervention unit, and coordinator of the Florida Crisis Response Team for the 18th Judicial Circuit. State Attorney’s Office Investigator Randy Fears, a former Melbourne Police officer but a member of Wolfinger’s staff for the past 10 years, received the award for Outstanding Service.

The Howard Futch Memorial Leadership Award went to Kathy King posthumously and was accepted by her mother, Alma King.

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.