Fourth Circuit State Attorney Melissa Nelson, left, accepts the Department of Justice’s “Outstanding Local Prosecutor’s Office Award” from U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Maria Chapa Lopez

Fourth Circuit State Attorney Melissa Nelson, left, accepts the Department of Justice’s “Outstanding Local Prosecutor’s Office Award” from U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Maria Chapa Lopez, recognizing the office’s ongoing efforts in Project Safe Neighborhoods.

“Public safety is the culmination of leadership, vision, and a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community,” said Lopez. “Melissa Nelson has achieved all three. Through a spirit of cooperation and public service, she has dedicated herself and her office to reducing crime by investing in people, proven methods of technologies, and imagining new possibilities. The success of Project Safe Neighborhoods in northeast Florida is directly attributable to her ability to galvanize her office, critical agencies, and community partners around a common goal — creating safer communities.”