Carson DA to receive honor at prosecutor's banquet

Carson City District Attorney Noel Waters will be honored tonight by Nevada's attorney general for work in the field of domestic violence.

Attorney General George Chanos and the Nevada Advisory Council for Prosecuting Attorneys have named Waters as recipient of the William J. Raggio Award for 2006.

"Carson City District Attorney Noel Waters has dedicated the last two decades to serving the people of Carson City." Chanos said in a press release. "Over the years, Noel has personally worked to train new police recruits and advocate on behalf of victims of domestic violence."

Chanos said Waters is being recognized for his exemplary service as Carson City District Attorney, his dedication and innovation as a prosecutor, and his strong commitment to justice for all people.

This award is presented annually to a current or former prosecutor who has contributed significantly to the improvement of the administration of justice in Nevada and is named in honor of former Washoe County District Attorney and current Senator Majority Leader William J. Raggio.

Waters is currently the senior district attorney in Nevada, having served as Carson City District Attorney for 21 years and five terms.

Waters has announced he will not run for re-election, and instead is among eight lawyers who have applied to fill the Carson City District Court seat being vacated by the retirement of Judge Mike Griffin.

Past recipients of the honor have been Raggio in 1998, Ben Graham in 1999, Thomas L. Leen in 2000, William T. Koot in 2001, Mills B. Lane in 2003, Melvyn T. Harmon in 2004, and Howard D. McKibben in 2005. Frankie Sue Del Papa and Stewart Bell were co-recipients of the award in 2002.

Waters will be honored today during the 2006 Nevada Prosecutors Conference being held in Carson City this week.