Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) Recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The Adams County BoCC issued a proclamation recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (PDF) at their Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 8, to highlight the important work being done in our community to help support victims.
District Attorney Brian Mason and Sheriff Gene Claps joined the board at Public Hearing to share their own experiences, both in their careers and as victims of crimes, as each has had their homes burglarized. Sheriff Claps and District Attorney Mason emphasized empathy for the isolation victims feel, and each of their respective office’s commitment to healing and safety for victims seeking justice.
“What a lot of victims don’t know in that moment of isolation is how many people are ready to help and how many people are ready to make their lives just a little bit better,” Mason said, gesturing to the audience behind him.
Many staff who work at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office attended Public Hearing to show support for the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week proclamation and were recognized for their contributions to protect, serve, and support people in our community as they navigate the criminal justice system and heal from trauma.
“There’s no reason why victims should continue to be victimized when they’ve already gone through so much. Our job is to help them succeed through the traumatic event that occurred to them as we move forward,” Claps said.
Following remarks from the Sheriff and District Attorney, members of the board expressed their support for victims of crime, and their gratitude for the staff who work tirelessly to serve them.
“It takes heart to do this work—and it can be trying and difficult work,” said Commissioner Kathy Henson. “I can’t thank you enough for the work you do to work toward healing.”
Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio, who previously worked in the 17th Judicial District as a Deputy District Attorney, built on Commissioner Henson’s comments.
“It’s not easy,” O’Dorisio began, “but without you, imagine where our community would be.”
