State Attorney Norman R. Wolfinger today named the top law enforcement officers, attorneys, and advocates who work toward victims' rights during the county's 20th observation of Victims' Rights Week.

State Attorney Wolfinger also presented the Howard Futch Memorial Leadership Award to Rene Rubiella, Master Sergeant, U.S.A.F., for his work in saving lives through educating teen drivers during the recent Operation N.O.W. program.

Wolfinger himself was surprised by Brevard Sheriff Jack Parker with a plaque celebrating his work for the past 20 years in advocating victims' rights.

Taking the honor of Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was Detective Sandy Meyers, a 22-year veteran of the Melbourne Police Department who heads the department's domestic violence unit. Attorney of the Year went to Julie White, a staff attorney with Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc., and the chairperson of the Brevard County Domestic Violence Task Force.

Victim Advocate of the Year was Nikki Dyke, a victim's advocate on Wolfinger's staff for the past eight years who teaches and works with victims of domestic violence and is additionally a crisis responder.

The Outstanding Service Award went to legal secretary Judy Bushey, a two-year veteran of the State Attorney's Office, who works with victims and the attorneys handling their cases.

Pictured (left to right) are Nikki Dyke, Judy Bushey, Mr. Wolfinger, Julie White, Rene Rubiella, and Sandy Meyers.