Recognizing Sherri Bevan Walsh

Floor Speech

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Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh who is retiring from the Summit County Prosecutor's Office as the longest serving prosecutor in the history of the county.

She was first elected 24 years ago and has served our community with diligence, professionalism, and dedication. Her final day is tomorrow, Friday, February 16.

Throughout her time as prosecutor, she has always advocated for victims and our community safety, ensuring that everyone was treated with dignity and proper care in our justice system.

In line with her championing of the most vulnerable in our community, Prosecutor Walsh led the State as the first prosecutor's office in Ohio to have a service dog named Avery as a companion to assist children who are victims and witnesses of crime.

She also created the Take Me Home Program to assist those with mental health conditions if they may wander from their home, Safety Kids Calendar, self-defense classes, and the Start By Believing, a program to support victims of sexual violence.

Her incredible and distinguished career also serves as an example to young women in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and beyond by inspiring our next generation of young women leaders.

Among her many career accolades include 59 State, national, and local awards including the Ohio Crime Victims Justice Center Models of Justice, Prosecutor of the Year, Elected Official of the Year, as a community leader who constantly and consistently champions causes for people with developmental disabilities, and Prosecutor of the Year from the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.

On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh for her years of service, and I wish her all the best in the future.

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