Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Rappahannock News Entry Title: Public safety reporting in Rappahannock County Entry Credit: Julia Shanahan Judge Comment: Excellent work in a competitive category by Julia Shanahan. Your three entries reflect a range of Public Safety topics that matter to local readers. Best of all, the Rappahannock News demonstrates great journalistic initiative by requesting “first responder” data to detail emergency response patterns and costs. It’s a national problem in the EMS world, in particular, of relying on volunteers. Well done!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Recorder Entry Title: Crime, Cops, & Safety Entry Credit: Tammy Minnigh Judge Comment: Excellent variety of stories by Tammy Minnigh. One highlights the problem of federal officers not understanding Commonwealth law & perhaps the Constitution itself, and another educating readers about interactions with law enforcement – such as Virginia requiring patrol cars be marked. The third entry, on “disaster prep” is a common story (this judge lives in a Tsunami zone so packing a “go bag” goes with the territory.) However, you took the extra “public safety” step of shopping local for the recommended items & reported the few not available. Love it!
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Smithfield Times Entry Title: DNA, abuse, robber Entry Credit: Stephen Faleski Judge Comment: Strong reporting instincts displayed by Stephen Faleski, using court records and interviews to explain complicated and sensitive topics. Your readership should value your efforts.
Competition Comment: Excellent competition in this category. Love to see journalists who know how to find and use court records, and newspapers not shy about sensitive topics. You are a credit to the reporting profession!
