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When crimes are committed and criminals are put behind bars, many might think the story is over. But as Matt Galka tells us, the victims of those crimes may never be the same – and the people who help them were honored by one of Florida’s top officials.

While the Jacksonville community scrambled to try and find out what happened to 21 month old Lonzie Barton last July, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Chief Tom Hackney was a rock for those looking for answers.

“He was a victim that touched just about everybody in Jacksonville,” said Hackney.

Lonzie’s remains were later found and Hackney and the community grieve together.  But his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Hackney and five other victim’s advocates were recognized by the state’s Attorney General in a ceremony at the Capitol Wednesday.

“Holding on to the picture is making sure the focus is where it belongs, the focus is on him, it was on him from the beginning, and in Victim’s Rights week here, the focus is on the victims,” he said.

Dozens of law enforcement and victim’s services professionals showed their support for those impacted by crime around the state by taking part in National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

“We all remember there was a time when we didn’t have advocates, and it’s unbelievable to me how these families were able to get through these very trying times without advocates,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Bondi says that the state has made great strides in getting rid of victim shaming.

“Now victims have the legal right and authority to be in court every step of the way, and that’s a huge advancement for our state and for our country,” she said.

Many in attendance that victim’s rights aren’t just a one week thing – they’re a 24-7 focus. The honorees included men and women from Hillsborough, Wakulla, Duval, and Leon counties.