Committee forwards resolutions recognizing Crime Victims' Rights Week and Missing Persons Awareness Month

The Marathon County Public Safety Committee voted to forward a resolution recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week and a resolution recognizing April as Missing Persons Awareness Month to the full county board.

Kyle Mayo, Marathon County district attorney, described the Victim Witness Office’s work and asked the committee to support the resolution recognizing Crime Victims' Rights Week. "They do an amazing job," Mayo said, noting the office helps victims navigate a criminal justice process he called "traumatizing" and lengthy. The committee moved and seconded the item; Jason moved the motion and Al seconded. The committee voted in favor and the motion passed.

The committee then considered a form resolution to recognize April as Missing Persons Awareness Month, noting the state has viewed April as Missing Persons Awareness Month since 2015 and that packet materials included statistics on missing individuals. The committee voted to forward that resolution as well; Jason moved and Deb seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote.

Both resolutions were presented as informational and symbolic measures intended to raise awareness and to formally recognize county and state efforts. Mara Ryan, Victim Witness Coordinator, was identified in the meeting packet as part of the Victim Witness Office team; she was present in the chamber. The resolutions will appear on the county board agenda for final consideration and any further action by the full board.