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The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council honored people in the legal and law enforcement communities who demonstrate a commitment to public safety at its annual Winter Conference Awards Ceremony.
“All of this year’s IPAC award winners are true champions for public safety,” IPAC’s Executive Director Chris Naylor said in a released statement. “These Hoosier heroes have all made sacrifices for the benefit of others and for the benefit of our state. We celebrate these outstanding accomplishments and acts of service.”
Eight attorneys were recognized by IPAC.
All either work in prosecuting attorney’s offices around the state or closely alongside prosecutors and demonstrate meritorious service and other contributions toward the fair administration of criminal justice, according to the organization.
Scott County Administrator Amy Bowles received the Outstanding Administrator Award. She was nominated for her dedication to her role as an administrator.
She has served for 30 years.
Lucette Higgins received the Victims’ Advocate of the Year Award.
She was nominated for her past leadership in the office as well as her compassion for victims of crimes.
Indiana State Police Detective Ben Rector received Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for his work ethic and his role in several high-profile investigations.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Patrolman and SWAT team leader Peter Koe received IPAC’s Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award for his work in several situations where the lives of citizens, as well as his own, were on the line.
The Legislative Excellence Award was given to Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport.
She was nominated for her work with prosecutors in the legislature and her commitment to help victims of sex crimes.
Retired Deputy Prosecutor Rich Hansen received the Outstanding Service Award.
He was nominated for his 22 years of service as the juvenile deputy prosecutor in Bloomington.
Daviess County Prosecutor Dan Murrie received the Powell-Feller Award.
He was nominated in honor of his years of service to Indiana prosecutors through his work on IPAC’s board, as the chair of both the legislative and technology committees and his work on the jury selection training course.
Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings was also awarded the Powell-Feller award.
He was nominated in honor of his years of service to Indiana prosecutors through his work on its board, as co-chair of the public relations committee and as Indiana’s representative on the Board of the National District Attorneys Association.
IPAC also announced its 2024 Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys’ slate of officers.
- President – Kenneth P. Cotter
- President-Elect – Daniel S. Murrie
- Vice-President – William C. Hartley, Jr.
- Secretary/Treasurer – James B. “Brad” Landwerlen
IPAC 2024 Board of Directors
Nominations for One-Year Terms
- Bernard A. Carter – Lake County
- Bruce D. Aukerman – Vermillion County
- Richard J. Hertel – Ripley County
2024 Board of Directors
Nominations for Two-year Terms
- Patrick K. Harrington – Tippecanoe County
- Nathan W. Harter IV – Decatur County
- Jarrod D. Holtsclaw – Greene County
- Bernard A. Carter – Executive Committee Member-at-Large
- Rodney J. Cummings – NDAA Representative.
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