The Wyandotte County community, families of fallen victims, and community officials came together on April 30, to remember those who lost their lives to homicide in 2017.

The Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort (C.A.C.E.)held its 19th Annual Memorial Candle Lighting Service and Forum in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s memorial service was in remembrance of the 48 victims of homicide.

C.A.C.E. was formed in 1998 to bring together local businesses, law enforcement personnel, community leaders and concerned citizens to begin the dialogue about how crime was debilitating the Kansas City, Kansas, community. The program serves as a support system for victims families and educates the Wyandotte County community on the progress made to diminish the threat of violence.

C.A.C.E. is a program service of Friends of Yates, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program along with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department’s Victim Services Unit.