ASHLAND — Two long-time employees at the Ashland County Prosecutor's Office were awarded certificates of appreciation for their years of service by prosecutor Chris Tunnell on Friday, according to a press release from the office.
First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michael D. Donatini, who has been with the office for 15 years, and Ashland County Victims Assistance Coordinator Ruth Rafeld, who has been with the office for 10 years, were presented with the awards.
As assistant prosecuting attorney, Donatini advises county employees on legal matters, he represents the county and townships in litigation, and he sometimes appears in juvenile or felony court proceedings, according to the press release.
"I’ve been in prosecutors’ offices since 2001 and come across a lot of assistant prosecuting attorneys. I don’t know any that are as dedicated or competent as Michael Donatini," Tunnell said.
Donatini, who was born and raised in Ashland, said he has "the perfect career" and that he's proud of the relationships he's made with local law enforcement, government officers, fellow attorneys, and his coworkers.
The other award recipient, Victims Assistance Coordinator Ruth Rafeld, "ensures that victims of felony crimes in Ashland County receive fair and courteous treatment during the course of prosecution, keeps them informed as to developments in their case, when court hearings will occur, and what to expect at each hearing," according to the press release.
"There’s nobody better in the role of helping victims than Ruth Rafeld. She comes to work every day with a renewed spirit of optimism and a drive to advocate on behalf of those who have been affected by crime," Tunnell said.
Rafeld considers it an "absolute honor" to provide support to victims "weathering a storm." She's glad to work in Ashland, where a victim-centered approach is "embraced", and she looks forward to more years with the office.
