FLORIDA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION

24 SHERIFF'S STAR | VOLUME 70 | ISSUE 3 A W A R D S VICTIM ADVOCATE'S COMPASSION HELPS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVOR FIND SAFETY When a woman arrived at a hospital with serious head injuries following a suspected domestic violence incident, she was frightened, isolated, and unwilling to identify the person responsible. She had no phone, no reliable way to communicate, and no clear path to safety. What could have become another delayed investigation instead became an example of how one victim advocate's compassion and quick thinking changed the course of a victim's recovery. For her extraordinary dedication to crime victims and unwavering commitment to public service, Victim Advocate Ilka Roncone of the Clay County Sheriff's Office has been named the 2026 Florida Sheriffs Association Civilian of the Year. Theannual award recognizes exemplary service above self by a civilian employed at a Florida sheriff's office.On May 5, 2025, deputies responded to a welfare check afterthe victim failed to report for work. After she was transportedto the hospital with a serious head injury, Roncone immediately coordinated with patrol, detectives, and victim services before driving to the hospital herself. She also worked to secure emergency shelter, knowing the victim might need a safe place to go once she was released. Rather than rushing the investigation, Roncone focused on building trust. Through her calm presence and compassionate support, the victim eventually disclosed what had happened, giving detectives the information they needed to move the case forward and ultimately arrest the offender. Roncone remained by the victim's side throughout the investigation and ensured she had a working cell phone before the victim returned home. That decision proved critical when the victim later used the phone to report a burglary in progress at her residence. Without immediate access to emergency services, she may not have been able to call for help in time. The case reflects the commitment Roncone brings to every victim she serves. Before becoming a victim advocate, she spent years in the Clay County Sheri•'s O•ce Person Crimes Unit, using her organizational skills and bilingual abilities to support detectives and crime victims alike. Colleagues describe her as a dependable leader whose compassion and professionalism consistently extend beyond the expectations of her role. Florida Sheri•s Association Executive Director Matt Dunagan said Roncone exemplifies the values the association seeks to recognize through the Civilian of the Year Award. "Ilka Roncone truly captures the heart of what the Florida Sheri•s Association values and works to celebrate," Dunagan said. "Through her tireless support of victims, she is not only changing individual lives, but helping to forge stronger, safer communities across our state." S P O N S O R E D B Y FLORIDA SHERIFF'S RISK MANAGEMENT FUND Victim Advocate Ilka Roncone Clay County Sheri's Office 2026 Civilian of the Year

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