2009 “A Voice for Victims” Awards Honors “Everyday Heroes”
       Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. Honors “Everyday Heroes” For Selfless Acts of Courage and Sacrifice

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, the Office of the Fulton County District Attorney is holding its annual “A Voice for Victims” awards Ceremony Thursday, October 29, 2009. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street Roswell, Georgia 30075. This is the 12th anniversary of the “A Voice for Victims” awards which pays tribute to law enforcement and civilians who go “above and beyond” on behalf of crime victims or people in danger.

This year’s program spotlights the heroic actions of citizens from around the metropolitan area who have placed themselves in harm’s way to save and protect the lives of others:

• Corbin Tkac & Jeff Hatchett- The father-son duo from Lilburn saved an elderly woman trapped in a tree during the recent floods.
• Stacy Tipton- The Good Samaritan mystery man who risked his life twice to save a woman forced form her car during the floods.
• Ruth Griffith- The 78-year old woman survived a brutal attack on her life after encountering her nephew’s killer. She was beaten, bound, gagged and left to die. She escaped and helped convict her attacker.   
• Darius Miller- The celebrity personal trainer was beaten into a coma after coming to the aid of Mayor Shirley Franklin’s daughters.

The Andrea “Nikki” Blanton Good Samaritan Award

   In 2007, the District Attorney’s office introduced the annual “Nikki Blanton Good Samaritan Award” in memory of former “A Voice for Victim” recipient Andrea Nicole Blanton.  Blanton and her boyfriend were struck by a car on an interstate ramp in 2006 after stopping to pull a trapped motorist to safety. Nikki suffered numerous injuries from her crash and died of complications a year later.  Nikki’s determination to overcome her ordeal was such an inspiration that District Attorney Howard dedicated a “Good Samaritan” Award in her honor.

Receiving the “Nikki Blanton” award this year posthumously is 16-year old Bernard Glass. Glass is the innocent teenager bystander who was struck and killed by a bullet while trying to save a three-year old girl he did not know.

   Bennet Reid, Jr. and Donna Lowry-Reid (WXIA-TV’s Kids and Schools Reporter) are the keynote speakers.  The Reids lost their daughter Sparkle Michelle Reid Rai to a heinous murder at the hands of a hit-man hired by the young woman’s father-in-law. The couple will share an inspiring message of hope and healing. The program will feature musical selections by the Inman Middle School Chorus and the presentation of colors by the Roswell Service Unit, Troop 25334 of Crabapple Middle School.