Testimonials & Recognition

Honored by the people the work serves.

Awards, recognition, and remarks from federal, state, and community leaders — for three decades of advocacy on behalf of crime victims and the law enforcement officers who serve them.

U.S. Attorney General • April 23, 2021
Every day, we bear witness to stirring acts of heroism on the part of compassionate and courageous advocates — and crime victims themselves. To the exceptional men and women we honor today — thank you for your service to crime victims, for your commitment to the safety of your communities, and for working to make America a more just and more compassionate place.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland

U.S. Department of Justice

In Their Words

From the people who've worked alongside him.

“John Guard spent his career tirelessly working and advocating for the rights of Domestic Violence victims. He not only investigated hundreds of cases of Domestic Violence, he also willingly shared his expertise by training thousands of officers and domestic violence advocates during conferences sponsored by my Office.”

G. Norman Acker, III

Acting United States Attorney, Eastern District of North Carolina

“We honor these outstanding public safety professionals and advocates who work so hard to support crime victims as they walk the path from trauma to healing.”

Maureen A. Henneberg

Acting Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs

SELECTED ATTENDEE FEEDBACK · CCAW 2026
“I love the way the speaker described pivoting in the face of legal changes or other barriers while continuing to center victim safety and accountability for those causing harm. Lots of tangible examples to demonstrate and keep us engaged. Really helpful information!”
Attendee · CCAW 2026
“The instructor has a wonderful way of discussing a difficult topic. He clearly has an abundance of experience, data, and lived experience to draw from, along with an engaging personality and an ability to communicate that he truly cares about the topic and his work.”
Attendee · CCAW 2026
“I loved the way this was set up and the chance to hear from different communities. I really appreciated the conversation about the importance of pre-hire screening and hearing about the cases that helped shape the speakers' understanding of this issue.”
Attendee · CCAW 2026
Awards

Recognition spanning federal, state, and community service.

2021

First Responders Award

U.S. Department of Justice • Office for Victims of Crime

Presented by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at the National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony, concluding National Crime Victims' Rights Week. One of 13 recipients selected nationally from public nominations across 10 categories.

“The First Responders Award recognizes an individual from the law enforcement, emergency services, firefighters and rescue professions for extraordinary acts of valor toward crime victims.”
U.S. DOJ Press Release →OVC Tribute →

2009

RBC Bank/Verizon Wireless Men for Change Award

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Honored for men who have made significant contributions to ending domestic violence in North Carolina.

2006

Above and Beyond Award

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence

In recognition of a sustained commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening domestic violence prevention efforts.

2006

Law Enforcement Award

North Carolina Victims Assistance Network

Recognized for leadership in expanding victim services and policy reform across the state.

2006

Peace Award

Sunshine Lady Foundation

Acknowledged for advancing programs that improve outcomes for survivors of intimate partner violence.

2002

Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate

North Carolina Sheriffs' Standards

Awarded for completing advanced law enforcement training and demonstrating professional development beyond basic certification.

1998

Officer of the Year

American Legion Post 39

Honored by the American Legion for outstanding service and professionalism in law enforcement.

1995

Officer of the Year

Ayden Police Department

Recognized by the Ayden Police Department for exceptional performance and dedication to duty.

1995

Officer of the Year

Pitt County

Honored by Pitt County for exemplary law enforcement service and community impact.

Featured Media & Coverage

Training videos, documentaries, and press.

  • Video

    International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

    The Crime of Domestic Violence — Roll Call Video

    National roll-call training video used by law enforcement agencies to sharpen frontline response to domestic violence.

    View source →
  • Video

    Vimeo

    Training Feature — Vimeo Showcase

    Video excerpt featuring Chief Guard's work on intimate partner violence response.

    View source →
  • Documentary

    WRAL-TV News

    WRAL Documentary Feature

    Regional documentary coverage of domestic violence response in North Carolina.

    View source →
  • Documentary

    WRAL-TV News

    WRAL Documentary Feature

    Second WRAL documentary segment on domestic violence, prosecution, and prevention.

    View source →
  • Article

    NC Newsline

    A Tragic Impetus for Change

    News feature on the North Carolina cases and reforms that shaped modern domestic violence response.

    View source →
  • Article

    National Association of Counties (NACo)

    County News — October 6, 2014

    County News coverage referencing Pitt County's domestic violence prevention work.

    View source →
  • Report

    North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence

    NCCADV Annual Report

    Annual report highlighting statewide coalition work and partners advancing survivor safety.

    View source →
Worked with John Guard?

We're collecting reflections from training participants, agencies, and prosecutors.

If an engagement shaped how your team responds to intimate partner violence — or strengthened a case you carried to verdict — we'd be honored to include your words here.

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