The Indian River County Victims’ Rights Coalition honored the “angels among us” at its recent Community Recognition Awards and Fundraiser luncheon at Oak Harbor Club.
Coalition President Paul Zelno explained that Doris Tropf had founded the nonprofit after her daughter, Lynnette, was killed by a drunk driver, as was Zelno’s wife Donna. Its mission is to increase community awareness of victims’ rights, the services and support available to victims, and to support and honor National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities.
Zelno said victims often need financial assistance after losing a loved one due to crime. To help, they distributed more than $6,000 last year to 10 individuals to assist with rent, car payments, food and other essentials.
Adding that they want law enforcement officers to know that they are appreciated, he said: “We want them to know that as a community, we are behind them rather than against them.”
Sharon Correa said the support she received after her sister, Mary Ellen Wise, was abducted and murdered 30 years ago made a big difference. The crime is still unsolved.
“The man that did this to my baby sister also killed my mother, because she literally started dying the day it happened. She died exactly seven years to the day, when she just gave up,” said Correa, who is now a volunteer victims’ advocate.
Public Defender Diamond Litty and Eric Kohrhamer, community resource coordinator, accepted an award on behalf of the LifeBuilders of the Treasure Coast, which helps offenders successfully navigate the criminal justice system or dependency court.
Zelno shared several letters from program participants that gave a vivid picture of the impact LifeBuilders had on them during challenging times.
Sheriff’s Office deputies Philip Daugherty and Eric Sesack were honored for the compassion and professionalism shown to the grieving family of a man who was struck by a car and killed last summer while walking his dog along Highway A1A.
“These guys did the right thing by these citizens of Indian River County. We’re incredibly proud of them for what they’ve done in this case,” said Sheriff Eric Flowers.
Fellsmere Police Chief Keith Touchberry received special recognition for his development of a Cadets and Kids program that has police academy cadets interacting with elementary school children, and Active Shooter Response training for Indian River State College education majors.
Touchberry, in turn, honored Fellsmere Police Det. Kenton Taylor for the professional courtesy he extends to the victims of all crimes, particularly the investigation of an unattended death in a wooded area of Fellsmere.
His “delicate and professional manner” gave the family closure, said Touchberry.
Vero Beach Police Dept. Capt. Matthew Monaco recognized Det. Lee Evans for his diligence in a sexual abuse investigation involving a grandfather and his two grandchildren that resulted in the discovery of a third victim and the eventual arrest of the offender. Evans also enlisted the services of a victims’ advocate to support the children.
Barbara Faulkner, District 19 Director of Victims Services, proudly recognized Rebecca Baum for her work as a victims’ service provider, saying, “She is always calm and collected under pressure. She puts victims and coworkers at ease with her matter-of-fact style.”
Zelno closed the luncheon by recognizing the C.O.R.E. (Comprehensive Offender Rehabilitation & Education) team for their work in helping to prevent crime.
At 6 p.m. April 28, the coalition will host its annual Victims’ Rights Vigil on Veterans Memorial Island to honor deceased crime victims.
For more information, call Paul Zelno at 772-519-1669.
Photos by Kaila Jones and Stephanie Labaff
