U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Organizations, Federal Personnel for their Service to Victims of Crime

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona joined communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25. As part of that observation, the Office recognized individuals and organizations from Arizona for their dedicated work to support victims of crime. The Salt River Police Department Honor Guard began the ceremony with the posting of the colors. Afterward, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Macdonald, guest speaker for the event, thanked those in attendance for their commitment to the justice system and for their work with victims. “The Crime Victims’ Rights Act gives victims the legal right to be heard, to be informed, to be present, and to be treated with fairness and respect," said U.S. Magistrate Judge Macdonald. "These are not courtesies. They are rights—enforceable, codified, and hard won through decades of advocacy by people like all of you in this room.” “To our survivors,” he said, “Your voice has shaped every reform in this space. Every meaningful change in how this country treats victims of crime has been driven at its core by someone who refused to be silenced. You are not peripheral to this movement. You are its foundation.” Following the judge’s remarks, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine and his leadership team recognized the following individuals and advocacy groups for their work in support of victims of crime: FBI Victim Specialist Katie Lawler received the Advocacy and Direct Services Award. Katie Lawler was recognized for her commitment to ensuring victims receive essential services, are afforded their rights, and are treated with dignity and respect during periods of vulnerability. She works with compassion and builds trust with victims as an investigation moves forward and eventually enters the federal court system. Her exemplary advocacy and professionalism have been lauded by FBI special agents, victim specialists, and federal prosecutors. Team members from Homicide Survivors, Inc. were recognized with the Service Coordination Award. Homicide Survivors, Inc., located in Tucson, advocates for and supports families who have suffered the loss of a loved one to murder. The team provides compassionate, trauma-informed response to survivors, linking families to critical resources and tools to help them in their healing journey. Through their understanding that grieving is a lifelong journey, Homicide Survivors, Inc. has created a safe space for survivors to grieve, heal and transform. Julian Garcia, Founder and CEO of the Bryan Brown Foundation, received the Leadership Award . Julian Garcia leads the Bryan Brown Foundation, named after Tohono O’odham Nation Police Officer Bryan Brown, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty as he neared retirement in 2020. For nearly 20 years, Officer Brown was a mentor and leader, believing strongly in community policing and the importance of guiding the next generation toward success. Through the foundation, Garcia, a retired detective for the Tohono O’odham Nation, continues Officer Brown’s mission. Through outreach, to include community gatherings and the Bryan Brown Academy, the foundation seeks to foster youth and leadership development, to promote careers in public service, and to address mental health challenges faced by Native American youth today. Vida and Alexus Garbo, founders of the Michael Garbo Foundation, received the Courage in Action Award. Vida, wife of DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo, and their daughter, Alexis, started the Michael Garbo Foundation in 2022 in honor of Agent Garbo after he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in 2021. The two women were recognized for the foundation’s work that brings awareness to the devastating effects of drug trafficking on children, families, and the American people. The foundation also offers educational and Jiu-Jitsu scholarships to young people and carries on Agent Garbo’s fight to improve security on public transportation. Assistant U.S. Atto