It was 1985 when Miriam Fife's worst nightmare came true. Her 12-year-old son Raymond was tortured and murdered not far from her Warren home.
She said the tragedy made her want to help others -- she wanted to make something good out of something bad -- and that's exactly what she has done.
Working out of the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office, Fife helps victims and their families deal with tragedy. She guides them through the court system and helps organize vigils, like one planned this week for Victims' Rights Week.
The first victims' vigil was held in Courthouse Square in 1986, 25 years ago. Since that time, thousands of people have been helped by the program.
And no one is more proud of the program than Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins.
"There is no question that Miriam Fife, Mary Jo Hoso and others are continuing to provide victims assistance and guidance," Watkins said.
This year's vigil will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church on North Park Avenue.
"No one wants their loved one forgotten, so they are all invited to attend to come forward at the vigil and say the name of their loved one and light a candle," Fife said.
The theme of this week's observance is Fairness, Dignity and Respect.
