Van Hollen Recognizes Partners Reinforces Public Safety Priority At Missing And Exploited Children & Adults Ceremony

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen commemorated Wisconsin's missing children and adults in a state capitol ceremony today. 

The Attorney General was joined by families of missing persons and law enforcement from across the state.  Special guests participating in today's ceremony were Ms. Michelle Vetterkind, President of the Wisconsin Broadcaster's Association who gave the Message of Hope, and Kassidy Wuensch, Wisconsin's winner of this year's Amber Alert Bringing Our Missing Children Home poster contest.

"The protection of children is the highest priority for me and the Wisconsin Department of Justice," Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said today. "As public safety is priority number one, the safety of our children whether online or on their way home, must get our full attention and the resources to fight their threats," the Attorney General went on.

Recognized at this year's ceremony were: 

• Whitewater Police Department
  Chief Jim Coan
  Internet Crimes Against Children Award
   
• Viroqua Police Department
  Chief Mark Rahr
  Internet Crimes Against Children Award
   
• Dodge County Sheriff's Department
  Sheriff Todd Nehls
  Special Service Award

Van Hollen also acknowledged Kassidy Wuensch, a student at Bangor Elementary School, who was the winner of this year's statewide missing children poser contest. Wuensch received her award on May 15, 2009. (For more information)

Also recognized were Sarah Zimmerman, Natalie Zimmerman, and Katlyn Rohr of Dodge County who assisted the Dodge County Sheriff's Department in apprehending a potential child abductor.