The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in Tacoma has received a national award for its continued dedication to supporting domestic violence victims.

The National Criminal Justice Association presented the center with the Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award at a three-day conference in Bellevue. The annual conference ended Tuesday.

The national association honors four programs each year. The programs are selected by experts "as innovative criminal justice programs that showcase promising practices to address critical crime-related issues in their communities," according to a Pierce County press release.

"It is truly an honor to receive this award," said Susan Adams, director of the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center. "It is a testament to the women and men working at the Center on behalf of clients and in pursuit of justice. This award belongs to each and every one of them."

The Pierce County and Tacoma City councils will present proclamations to the justice center next week to recognize the award.

The center, named in honor of the slain wife of former Tacoma Police Chief David Brame, opened in December 2005. Brame killed his wife, Crystal, and then fatally shot himself in 2003.

The center is a one stop resource for domestic violence victims. Last year, 2,654 clients and 863 children visited the center to receive help in getting civil legal and protection orders, housing and other assistance. Another 3,137 people were helped over the phone.

The center, which can be contacted at 253-798-4166, is a collaboration by Pierce County and the City of Tacoma. The center's operates on funding from Tacoma, Pierce County, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the federal government.

Tacoma police detectives are thanking a man who helped them catch a bank robbery earlier this year.

The department gave George Rodkey a Certificate of Merit today for his efforts April 27.

According to detectives, Rodkey was inside Key Bank, 1120 S. 11 St., when it was robbed. The robber left the bank and got into a vehicle.

Rodkey followed the robber outside and got the license plate number of the getaway vehicle. He provided the information to officers.

Officers found the vehicle and arrested the two occupants, one of whom tried to run from officers, police department.

"Due to the diligence of Mr. Rodkey, who went beyond the level of being a simple witness to the robbery, a dangerous bank robber and his 'getaway driver' were arrested and taken off the street," the department citation reads. "For his invaluable assistance, the Tacoma Police Department is proud to present George Rodkey with the Certificate of Merit."

Tacoma police detective Tim Griffith said the department doesn't normally want citizens to put themselves in danger. However, Rodkey's information "made a huge impact," Griffith said.

"It isn't often that we encounter citizens willing to take such a dramatic step to help," Griffith said. "The people of Tacoma should be grateful that there are people like Mr. Rodkey living here."

Six law enforcement officers were honored today with the state's highest honor for police officers.

Here's the press release from Gov. Christine Gregoire:

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today paid tribute to six Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor recipients at a ceremony conducted at the Washington State Law Enforcement/Peace Officers Memorial.

"Today I honor the Washington law enforcement officers who protect our state, along with those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our citizens," Gregoire said. "These valiant men and women deserve our highest respect and praise for their commitment and dedication to serving the public."

Two officers were honored posthumously: Skagit County Sheriff's Deputy Anne Jackson and U.S. Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks. One officer was recognized for serious injury: Vancouver Police Officer Christopher LeBlanc. Three officers were recognized for meritorious service: Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies Scott Schanaker and Scott Holmes, and Vancouver Police Officer John Key.

"This recognition of our two officers who made the ultimate sacrifice also goes to their families," Gregoire said. "Our hearts are with you."

Since 1855, more than 280 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in Washington. In 1994, the state Legislature established the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor, which is reserved for those police officers who have been killed in the line of duty or have distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious conduct.

The Washington State Patrol recognized recipients with a 21-gun salute.

The chief of the Federal Way Police Department will be presenting a mail carrier with the Chief's Commendation Medal tonight after he helped get needed medical attention to an elderly woman on his route.

Here's the press release from the police department about Gary Lyon's actions.

On 111508 at about 3:20 p.m., Federal Way Police responded to the call of a Welfare Check, located in the 30600 block of 1st Place South. The postal carrier for the route, Mr. Gary Lyon, had called 911 to report he had not seen the elderly woman occupant of the home for a number of days and the mail was piling up in the mailbox.

Upon police arrival, officers were initially unable to receive any response by knocking on the door.

While looking for other points of entry, officers located an open bedroom window and contacted the
elderly female, who is the sole occupant of the residence. While in contact, the female told police she had fallen and did not have the strength to get up. Police later forced entry into the home through a door inside the garage and located the woman lying in her bedroom on her back.

Upon speaking to the female, she stated she had been lying on the floor for ten days after falling,
surviving only on nearby cans of a nutritional supplement drink. The woman stated she was unable to get up and had been “waiting to die” since she had fallen and was unable to contact anyone for help. Medical assistance from South King County Fire and Rescue was requested and personnel later responded to render care prior to the woman being transported to the hospital.

The actions of Mr. Lyon saved the life of this woman. Without his observation skills and willingness to intervene, the woman likely would have died. Mr. Lyon’s actions are a credit to himself and family, his community, and the United States Postal Service.

In response to the actions of Mr. Gary Lyon, Police Chief Brian Wilson of the Federal Way Police
Department will be presenting Mr. Lyon with the Chief’s Commendation medal. The presentation will
take place at the Federal Way City Council Regular Meeting on February 17th, 2009. The meeting will
begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 33325 8th Ave S in Federal Way, and the presentation take place shortly after.

In attendance will be Gary Lyon and his family, as well as representatives from the United States Postal Service. Gary will be available at 6:30 p.m. for media interviews about the incident. Please join us while we congratulate Mr. Gary Lyon on his commitment to integrity and the citizens he serves.

Federal Way police will honor a 17-year-old grocery bagger who found - and turned in - a bag containing $10,000 in cash.

The department will present Moisei "Moses" Baranuic with the Chief's Commendation Medal tonight during the Federal Way City Council's regular meeting. The presentation is scheduled for shortly after the start of the 7 p.m. meeting.

"Please join us while we congratulate Moisei on his ethical behavior that serves as a model to all citizens," a police press release states.

Baraniuc, a bagger at Top Foods in Federal Way and a senior at Todd Beamer High School, was preparing to wash his hands Nov. 13 when he spotted a brown money bag. The bag contained $10,000, the life savings of a Vancouver, Wash., man who accidentally left it behind.

Baranuic turned in the bag and Federal Way police were contacted. The owner was later found and the money returned.

Read our initial story about the good deed here.

Gov. Chris Gregoire and Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste will be in Tacoma today for a press conference.

The two, along with the president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, will be announcing a "major award" being given to the State Patrol by the IACP.

The press conference will be held at 11 a.m. at the District 1 office in Summit.

"This honor builds on last year's IACP designation of WSP as the best state police agency of its size," a press release about the event states.

This photo comes from reader E Scot Crawford of Wyndstryderstudios Fine Art Photography. It shows a kayaker who was rescued about 7:45 p.m. this evening by a ferry on its way to Anderson Island.

Crawford wrote:

This was one lucky soul for if some diligent eyes on the ferry wouldn't have seen him waving behind us, he would be in the news as a headline of "tragic boating mishap"!

The Valley Regional Fire Authority honored several employees at its annual banquet held Friday, June 6, 2008. Among the honorees were the Firefighter and Fire Officer of the Year for 2007.

Firefighter Steve Zehnder was chosen by his peers as VRFA Firefighter of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the VRFA in 2007. Fire Fighter Zehnder is an 8-year veteran of the VRFA and is currently assigned to Fire Station 32 in south east Auburn. Steve has served as a Medical Specialist in the EMS Division for several years. Steve coordinates the inventory and purchasing of medical supplies and was instrumental in developing the current inventory management and central stores program. He also provides required monthly medical training to his co-workers as well as his routine duties as a fire fighter. Steve’s great attitude and relentless work ethic make him a standout among his peer group. Captain Tim Day, a supervisor for the EMS Division, noted that “Steve has an amazing attitude that’s backed up with great skills. He is a true professional.”

Captain Dave Larberg, an eighteen year employee of the VRFA was awarded the honor as 2007 Fire Officer of the Year by his co-workers. Captain Larberg was previously recognized as Firefighter of the Year in 1995. Dave is currently assigned to fire station 34 on Lea Hill and manages the VRFA Health and Wellness program and the pre-incident plan program for the VRFA. Captain Larberg’s co-workers noted that he demonstrates a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a decisive leadership style in his supervisory role. One co-worker stated, “Dave is rock solid. He brings a great attitude to work everyday. He’s a great leader around the fire station and on every emergency scene.”

In addition to Firefighter and Fire Officer of the Year, the VRFA honored two retirees, Fire Captain Rich Schneider with 31 years, and Firefighter Ron Mauel with 21 years. Battalion Chief Parry Boogard received a medal of commendation for his oversight of a brush fire involving a regional response. Firefighter Neil Pederson received a commendation for responding to a Blackhawk helicopter crash in Enumclaw. Firefighters from B-shift were also recognized for their life-saving efforts in the rescue and successful resuscitation of a man trapped in a house fire.

A local attorney has been chosen to lead the 30,000-member Washington State Bar Association beginning next year.

Salvador A. Mungia of the firm Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson and Daheim was named president-elect at the Bar Association's Board of Governors meeting Friday in Vancouver, Clark County.

He will serve a one-year term beginning in September 2009, the Bar Association reported on its Web site.

Mungia, a Tacoma resident, is a trial lawyer who specializes in personal injury, medical malpractice, business, real property and general aviation litigation, his firm reported in a news release Tuesday.

He also is know for his work with minority-focused organizations, including the R. Merle Palmer Minority Scholarship Foundation and the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, the news release states.

"As presidents of the WSBA, my hope is for our association to give a voice to those in our society who do not have voices, to restore hope to those who have lost hope and to be a pain in the sides to those who seek to take the voices and hopes away from others," Mungia said in the news release.

Lights & Sirens took first place for blogging in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Pacific Northwest Excellence in Journalism competition among newspapers with more than 65,000 circulation.

The competition is open to news media in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.

From Stacey: I just wanted to thank all the readers for helping us make this a great blog.

Last year, we got an honorable mention for the blog in this category. I don't know what propelled us to the top this year but I appreciate your dedication and interest to crime and court issues in Pierce County.

A special thank you, too, to the police PIOs who answer your/our "What was that?" questions.

Lights & Sirens sends out a salute to long-time Pierce County jurist Rosanne Buckner, who has been named judge of the year by the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

Buckner received the award earlier this month during the organization's Law Day Dinner, held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle.

Tacoma attorney John Messina, who introduced Buckner at the banquet, called her "a quality jurist, demanding the same diligence and preparation from lawyers as she practices as a judge, impartial and open to being persuaded, always respectful of and attentive to lawyers, parties and witnesses."

Buckner was elected to the Superior Court bench in 1985. She previously served as a court commissioner.

The City of Tacoma will hand out its annual City of Destiny Awards on Tuesday, May 13, during a special ceremony at Jason Lee Middle School.

The awards recognize outstanding volunteers and groups for their "exemplary service."

The City of Destiny awards this year will honor a tenacious Hilltop activist Skip Young and the Lincoln LAWGS Safe Streets groups, both well deserving.

I've interviewed Skip (pictured here) several times over the years about different crime issues and always get a kick out of her. She's been a great asset to the Bryant neighborhood.

Here's the write up on each.

Marion “Skip” Young (Adult Sustained Service)

Marion Young, better known as Skip, is tenacious, persistent, maybe even feisty, but always polite. In fact, that description just might be the secret to her success. For more than 15 years, she has been an incredibly effective community activist. The 72-year-old neighborhood grandma has faced drug dealers, gang members, prostitutes and their johns—even gun-wielding criminals—and she has stopped them in their tracks. How? With a smile on her face and concern in her heart. When she would encounter ne’er do wells on their regular Hilltop neighborhood walk-abouts, they would pepper them with an array of concerned questions—Did they need help? Did they need someone? Where did they need to be? Did they need help getting there? The crooks would get uncomfortable, but Skip and her companions kept them occupied with their seemingly naïve inquisitiveness until the police got there.

A Hilltop resident since 1965, Young watched the neighborhood become a place where people lived in fear. So when the Hilltop Action Coalition started in 1989, she got involved. She’s hosted National Night Out parties in her backyard since Tacoma first started the effort. She also participated in the Tacoma ’s Citizen’s Police Academy . In 1998, Young joined with others in forming the Bryant Neighbors group. Over the years, the group has done everything from shut down drug houses to paint over graffiti. Walk-abouts and litter pick-ups have been a main stay of the Bryant Neighbors’ crime-prevention efforts.

Lincoln LAWGs Safe Streets Group (Neighborhood Group or Community Partnership)

Relatively new to the Safe Streets Campaign, the Lincoln LAWGs or—Lincoln Area Watch Group—has made a huge impact in just a few years. If you passed through major intersections in the area of 38th and Pacific during the spring of 2006 through early 2007, you might have noticed some folks with some unusual signs. They said, “Don’t enable their additions. Give to charities, not panhandlers. Help make my neighborhood safe.” Along with the panhandlers came their drug deals, prostitution and litter—even human waste on sidewalks and in yards. Parents became uncomfortable walking across the street with young children for fear of encountering an aggressive panhandler or someone urinating in public.

Residents took their concerns to the police and city officials, but wanted to show how strongly they felt about keeping their neighborhood safe. The idea of demonstrating came up at a neighborhood meeting soon after the group established itself with Safe Streets. They knew something needed to be done, said Renee Harris, who along with her husband Jason Harris, serves as the neighborhood coordinator for the Lincoln LAWGs. By April 3, 2007, the Council approved a new anti-panhandling ordinance to help address the neighborhoods’ concerns.