Lake state's attorney thanks victims' advocates

State's Attorney Michael Waller recently honored people who dedicate their careers in the legal system to assisting the victims of crime.

Sally Foster, state coordinator for the Illinois Daily Violence Coordinating Council, was named this year's recipient of the Ruth Rosen garden Victim Service Provider Award.

The award, named after one of the original victim assistance counselors in the Lake County state's attorney's office, is given to a person whose efforts show compassion, commitment and sensitivity to crime victims.

Waller said Foster, who served as coordinator for the council in the 19th Judicial Circuit from 1990 until 2005, has been behind many successful projects and innovations in the field of victim services.

"She is committed to the continual improvement of victim services through education and training of providers," Waller said. "Beneath her kind, down-to-earth personality is a strong leader who has generated numerous benefits for crime victims."

This year's Justice Award went to Stephen Scheller, chief of the felony review division of Waller's office.

Waller said Scheller has an innate ability to relate to victims of all backgrounds and his interactions demonstrate a concern for the person as an individual.

The recipients of the Law Enforcement Award were Sgt. Cory Kelly of the Waukegan Police Department and retired Deputy Chief Rick Eckenstahler of the Lake County sheriff's office.

Waller said Kelly is a champion for child victims of crime and her diligence in handling her cases reflects her strong sense of justice and fairness.

Eckenstahler, Waller said, has excellent people skills and interacted well with victims, professionals of different disciplines and employees within his agency.

Heard in the hallwayCongratulations to Sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Thompson and his wife, Karyn, on the April 2 birth of their daughter, Reese. The bouncing baby joins brother, Harley, 5#189;, in the Thompson family.