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Two Fairfax County Police Department employees were among 19 people honored Friday at Virginia’s ninth annual Unsung Heroes Awards in Richmond.

Detective Jon Long and victim services specialist Ilana Wixted received the awards, which recognize people inside and outside government who provide exceptional support and advocacy for crime victims.

Attorney General Jay Jones said the honorees represent the best of public service and do their work because victims need to be heard, not because they seek recognition.

Long, a member of the department’s Cold Case Squad, has served in law enforcement for 33 years, including 27 years as a detective. Rachelle Hunley, senior director of programs and outreach in the attorney general’s office, praised his longstanding commitment to victims of violent crime.

Wixted has worked in victim services for 14 years, including six years in Fairfax County. Hunley said she helps survivors manage crises, locate shelter and other resources, and navigate complicated legal and support systems with dignity and clarity.

The Unsung Heroes Awards have recognized more than 100 people—and one service dog—since the program began in 2017.

This year’s ceremony also introduced a Legacy Award. The inaugural honor went to Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Master Detective David Wood for his 41-year law enforcement career. Hunley credited Wood with combining strong investigative abilities with deep compassion for victims and their families.

Other honorees were:

  • Pastor Belinda Baugh, New Divine Worship Center in Petersburg
  • Marlene Bright, community outreach coordinator at the Norfolk Family Justice Center
  • Amy Cassandra, senior assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Fauquier County
  • Capt. Benjamin Childers, victims’ legal counsel for the United States Marine Corps
  • Ashley Crews, victim services specialist with Henrico County Victim Witness
  • Dawn Delacruz, director of the Madison County Victim/Witness Program
  • Macy Fleischer, assistant director of the Culpeper Victim/Witness Program
  • Chris Genrich, appellate and training attorney for the U.S. Army
  • Sharnelle Hamlin, homicide support group coordinator for the Virginia Victim Assistance Network
  • Jessica Hood, director of outreach and public relations for the Wise/Norton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
  • Sgt. Jason Myers of the Norfolk Police Department
  • Jennifer Perez, CEO of A & J Residential Services
  • Karen Ashburn Rucker, chief deputy commonwealth’s attorney for the City of Hampton
  • Michael A. Shafer Jr., guest speaker with the Virginia Department of Corrections Victim Services Unit
  • Robyn Sodelett, Survivor Center director for the Prosecutors Alliance
  • Tamara Thomas, director of the Prince William County Victim/Witness Program

The awards are presented annually during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an observance held each April since 1981.