For the victims
Local officials and law enforcement officials gathered at Waynesboro City Hall for the signing of a proclamation declaring April 13-19 National Crime Victims' Rights Week. "We must all remember that there are no victimless crimes," state solicitor Jackson Cox said after vice-mayor James Chick Jones, center, signed the proclamation. "Protecting the rights of each victim affirms the individual worth and dignity of all people." According to the proclamation, 23 million Americans are victims of crime annually - and 5.2 million are victims of violent crimes. Volunteers, court and law enforcement officials hope that Crime Victims' Rights Week will raise public awareness and insure protection for local victims. Pictured with the vice-mayor are, front row from left: Burke County Against Family Violence (BCAFV) member Isabelle Harper, State Court Administrator Gloria Johnson and Waynesboro Police Chief Karl E. Allen; back row: Burke County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Chaplain Rev. Beverly Mack, State Court Deputy Clerk Linda Tobias, State Solicitor Cox, State Court Victim Advocate Julie Lewis, State Court Judge Jerry Daniel, Burke County Sheriff Greg Coursey and BCAFV member Rev. Jerry Smith. Participating, but not pictured, is Sardis Police Chief John Finley.

Staff - Elizabeth Billips