Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/01/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Greg Jacobs Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

FIRST ANNUAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRIDE LUNCHEON

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that the first annual District Attorney Pride Luncheon was held yesterday for members of his office. This luncheon was “an opportunity for our office to take pride in the quality of services we render to the public,” said District Attorney Passalacqua. Over 100 members of the DA’s office came together to recognize and congratulate a number of their colleagues for their extraordinary achievement, dedication to the office and to the community that they serve. Awards were presented to members of the office for their service to the community in 2004.

District Attorney Passalacqua presented the Gene L. Tunney Integrity Award, named after retired Sonoma County District Attorney who held office from 1974 to1995.“I always considered integrity the hallmark of a successful prosecutor,” said former District Attorney Tunney in a letter read at the event. Prosecutor Christine Cook received this award for her outstanding work in gang prosecutions and homicide cases.

The Greg Jacobs Public Service Awards, named after the current Assistant District Attorney who will be retiring this year after thirty-one years as a prosecutor, were presented to Dava Kohlman, Sandra Cardenas, Rosie Murphy and Mary Reece, for their extraordinary efforts in the office and to the public at large.

Prosecutor of the Year Awards went to Deputy District Attorney Sharmalee Rajakumaran for Misdemeanor Prosecutions, Deputy District Attorney Spencer Brady for Felony Prosecutions, and Deputy District Attorney Joan Risse for Special Prosecutions for their commitment and outstanding work in the courtroom. Tony Gillotte received The Investigator of the Year Award for his diligent work in the Homicide Unit.

Excellence in Support Service Awards were received by Rita Masters, John Magsamen and Elaine Nickison for their professional assistance to staff. Outstanding Victim Support Awards were presented to Marlena Hart and Miriam Gaon for their compassion and commitment to assisting victims of crimes. Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos received the District Attorney Special Recognition Award for making a difference in the community.