Del Norte District Attorney’s Office – March 10, 2017

The Del Norte District Attorney’s Office has announced the recipients of its 2016 Law Enforcement Administrators of Del Norte (LEADN) awards.  The District Attorney typically recognizes an officer of the year and a citizen of the year at the annual awards ceremony, which will be held on March 21, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Crescent City Cultural Center on Front Street.  The ceremony is open to the public and the District Attorney encourages community members to attend to express their appreciation for law enforcement members and others in our community who contribute to public safety.

The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year is California Highway Patrol Officer Ted Luna.  “My office has an excellent working relationship with the local California Highway Patrol office.  CHP consistently provides my office with quality investigations and reports in a timely manner.  They cooperate with us without hesitation when we request follow up work or additional information that we need to successfully prosecute cases.  Officer Luna is often the face of that collaboration with us and I want to recognize his reliable and consistent effort in helping us build successful prosecutions,” said District Attorney Dale P. Trigg.

The Citizen of the Year is Benita Cabrera.  Ms. Cabrera works tirelessly to advocate for crime victims in our community.  She has been instrumental in raising awareness and educating our community about human trafficking through her work with Soroptimist International of Crescent City, the local chapter of a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.  Ms. Cabrera testified as an expert witness in Rape Trauma Syndrome in a kidnapping and rape jury trial that was prosecuted last year by District Attorney Trigg that resulted in a conviction and 25 to life sentence.  “Every time I call Benita for help with something, she jumps in with both feet right away.  She is a true asset to our community,” said District Attorney Trigg.

In addition to the District Attorney’s awards, several other area agencies will similarly make recognitions during the ceremony.  Awards will also be given out by the Del Norte Sheriff’s Office, Crescent City Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Redwood National and State Parks, Pelican Bay State Prison and the Del Norte Probation Department.