South Georgia Office

• Publication year: 2022
• Pages: 0048

South Georgia Office No. Vol. 28 No. 2 Pg. 48 Georgia Bar Journal October, 2022

BY ANGIE THOMPSON

Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association Gives Liberty Bell Award to Victim Advocate

The purpose of the Liberty Bell award is to recognize community service that has strengthened the American system of freedom under law.

Latricia Sumner, a victim advocate for the Tifton Judicial Circuit, received the 2022 Libert Bell Award from the Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association. (Left to right) Bryce Johnson, Tifton district attorney; Hon. Herbert Benson, judge, State Court of Tift County; Latricia Sumner; and Cameron Roberts, president, Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association.

The Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association presented Latricia Sumner, a local advocate for crime victims, with the 2022 Liberty Bell award during a Law Day celebration in May. The Liberty Bell is the most prestigious award given by lawyers to a non-lawyer.

Sumner, a victim assistance advocate in the Tift County District Attorney’s Office, was chosen by the circuit’s attorneys to receive the award. “I was very humbled and surprised. I couldn’t do it without everyone here,” Sumner said. “To have people you work with think that about you is very humbling.”

Sumner left her long-time career in the food industry 12 years ago to begin

In addition to the Liberty Bell award, Sumner also received a scrapbook containing letters and notes from victims with whom she had worked. ... Sumner was moved to tears when excerpts of the letters were read during the ceremony.

her role as an advocate. She makes the initial and ongoing contact with victims to explain the criminal justice process and inform them of their rights and the services available. She also serves as a liaison between the prosecutor and the victim.

Victims of rape, assault and other violent acts—as well as their families—benefit from Sumner’s caring personality, said Hon. Herbert “Herby” Benson, judge, Tift County State Court.

Sumner “is there to hold their hand, offer a shoulder to cry on, and...