2017

The El Dorado County District Attorney has announced plans for observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 2-8. The event is sponsored by the El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the El Dorado County Law Enforcement Managers’ Association, the South Lake Tahoe Police Officer’s Association, and the El Dorado County Criminal Attorneys’ Association.

Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual commemoration to promote victims’ rights and services. It was established in 1981 by then President Ronald Reagan as part of his initiative to provide increased services for victims of crimes. Each year communities throughout the country sponsor events which honor victims, celebrate survivors, and recognize those who work diligently to support victim services.

According to the Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime, this year’s theme “Strength — Resilience — Justice” reflects a vision for the future in which all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges, and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing.

This year, the El Dorado County observance will include a “Blue in the Night” campaign as well as a ceremony to be held at the Placerville Town Hall on April 4, 2017, at 11:45 a.m.

Borrowing from the highly successful “Pink in the Night” campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, early April will find downtown store fronts illuminated with blue lights to show our community support for those whose lives have been touched by crime.

The program is intended to celebrate the survivors of crime who inspire us daily with their courage and strength. We also commend those who work selflessly to insure that crime victims not only survive their ordeals, but thrive going forward.

The event on April 4 will feature guest speakers and presentation of two very special awards: The El Dorado County “Courageous Citizen”, recognizing an individual who has exhibited great courage and fortitude in the face of a criminal act and the Katie Dobler “Above and Beyond” award, which is given to a law enforcement officer who has shown an unwavering commitment in seeking justice for crime victims.

This latter award holds special meaning for the members of the District Attorney’s Office in that it is given in honor of the memory of Deputy District Attorney Katie Dobler, who passed away in February. Ms. Dobler was loved and respected by her colleagues for her relentless dedication to justice and her inimitable spirit. Katie always went “above and beyond” for everyone whose life she touched. This annual award will help keep Katie’s memory and spirit alive for years to come.

Members from local law enforcement agencies will be in attendance. The agencies include, but are not limited to, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the Placerville Police Department and the California Highway Patrol

The public is welcome to attend the April 4th event and help us celebrate the strength and resilience of our community, victims of crime, survivors, and those who serve them.