State’s Attorney Alvarez honors Unsung Heroes in the Fight for Justice

 Twelfth Annual Victim Service Awards recipients include 11-year-old witness, suburban police chief, victim advocate and victim of acid attack 

 

Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez honored four individuals yesterday with the office’s Victim Service Awards, during a ceremony in commemoration of National Crime Victims Rights’ Week

Each year the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office recognizes the efforts of those who work tirelessly on behalf of crime victims. This year’s honorees have answered the call to lend their support and commitment to victims as they travel an often difficult journey seeking justice and healing.

This year’s honorees were 11-year-old Jeremy Jordan, Palatine Police Chief John Koziol, victim advocate Ursula Villatoro, and victim Karli Butler.

* Jeremy Jordan was 9 years old when he saw his cousin gunned down near Altgeld Gardens in 2007. He courageously testified at the murder trial last year, amazing the court with his bravery and positive example by facing the defendant and standing up to be a voice for his cousin.

* Palatine Police Chief John Koziol and his department are recognized for their tireless efforts in the investigation involving the Brown’s Chicken murders in 1993. In 2002, two offenders were charged and the case was solved, but officers and investigators did not let their commitment to the families of the seven victims end. They continued to play an instrumental role in the prosecution, providing support for the families of the victims in and out of the courtroom.

* Ursula Villatoro is a crime victim advocate for Mount Sinai Hospital, and an integral part of the hospital’s trauma team. She is one of the first responders to crime victims, providing support and assistance to them during life altering events, dedicated to serving them with fairness, dignity and respect.

* Karli Butler was the victim of a heinous battery on May 26, 2006. She suffered second and third degree burns when battery acid was thrown in her face. After a series of painful surgeries and skin grafts, Karli has triumphed and uses her voice to help others become empowered and confident as a mentor and volunteer for young women in Chicago.

The ceremony was held at the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No.7, at 1412 West Washington.