Each year, the U.S. Department of Justice, through OJJDP, recognizes individuals, organizations, and agencies that have made a difference in recovering missing and abducted children and protecting children from exploitation.
This year, the Department of Justice and OJJDP honored 10 individuals through the 2020 Missing Children's Day awards. Read more about each awardee and their extraordinary efforts to protect children.
Attorney General's Special Commendation
This commendation recognizes the extraordinary efforts and significant program contributions of an Internet Crimes Against Children task force or affiliate agency, or an individual assigned to either.
Read the press release to learn more about the award recipients.
Criminal Investigation Director Matthew Joy
Special Agent in Charge Jesse Crowe
Missing Children's Citizen Award
This award honors the extraordinary efforts of private citizens for their unselfish acts to recover missing or abducted children safely.
Read the press release to learn more about the award recipient.
Ms. JoAnn Donovan
Missing Children's Law Enforcement Award
This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to the safety of children.
Read the press release to learn more about the award recipient.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Gerald Dysart
Missing Children's Child Protection Award
This award honors the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who have made a significant investigative or program contribution on behalf of missing, abused or victimized children.
Read the press release to learn more about the award recipients.
Detective Chastity Burke
Detective Dennis Miller
Detective Keith Earney
Detective Jason Turner
Detective Ruben Escobar
Detective Eugene Mefford
All photos courtesy of awardees.