Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen reports the 18th Annual Crime Victims’ Candlelight Vigil was held on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 Route 9, Malta, New York. Victims of crime, their family members, representatives from the numerous not-for-profit agencies throughout the area and law enforcement joined the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office at this year’s vigil. The program includes remarks from Edward Kinowski, Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, Elizabeth Cronin, Director of the New York State Office of Victim Services and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. Musical selections were performed by Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney Jesse Ashdown and his son Andrew Ashdown, and Harpist Donna Adams.
The attendees heard from Lisa Savard, mother of Joelle DuMoulin, who was a victim killed during a road race in Corinth 15 years ago. Ms. Savard talked about her journey as a victim of crime and related how the 2017 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme of “Strength Resilience Justice” resonated with her.
District Attorney Heggen presented two Public Service Awards. The first recognized the entire investigative unit of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department for their dedication and work on the Arthur and Heidi Gannon case. Lead Investigators Rodger Zalucky and Curtis Brand accepted the award on behalf of their unit. District Attorney Heggen noted the “unceasing work and dedication to this case by all of the members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department brought about the successful prosecution of two sexual predators”. The second Public Service Award was presented to Matthew R. Coseo. Mr. Coseo was a Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney for four years before he accepted a position last year as the Principle Court Attorney for the Saratoga County Surrogate. District Attorney Heggen recognized Coseo for his continuing involvement with the Saratoga County Victim Impact Panels, as well as his continued work spearheading the annual Saratoga County Stop DWI Hockey Game to raise funds and awareness regarding the dangers of drinking and driving.
The Vigil concluded with a candlelight ceremony providing friends and family members the opportunity to remember victims of crime.
District Attorney Karen Heggen, right, presents Matthew Coseo, left, with a Public Service Award.
District Attorney Karen Heggen, center, with Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Investigators Rodger Zalucky, left, and Curtis Brand, right.