43rd Annual Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards

October 9, 2025 @ 5:30PM — 8:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar

Providence Marriott : 1 Orms Street Providence, RI 02904 Get Directions

43rd Annual Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards image

Justice Assistance initiated an annual award beginning in 1981 to honor individuals who have demonstrated dedication, service and citizen contributions to the justice profession and the public interest. In 1988, Justice Assistance renamed the award for Neil J. Houston, Jr. as a memorial to his outstanding achievements in the justice and philanthropic fields.

At this year's event we will recognize five outstanding individuals for their contributions to the justice field for their selfless service and efforts to reform and improve our justice system.

Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award Recipients:

Michelle Alves, Chief, Criminal Trial Division, Office of the Rhode Island Public Defender
Major David A. Lapatin, Investigative Division, Providence Police Department
Christopher Gontarz, Esquire, President, Rhode Island Bar Association
Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs

We are proud to announce that this evening we will be presenting the Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Established in 2009, the Edward V. Healey Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing justice and public service. Named after Judge Edward V. Healey Jr., a long-serving Rhode Island Family Court justice and respected national leader in juvenile justice reform, the award recognizes exceptional lifelong commitment to the field. It is presented selectively by the CEO of Justice Assistance and is only awarded to those who have previously received the Neil J. Houston Jr. Memorial Award.

Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient:

The Honorable Alice B. Gibney, Presiding Justice, Rhode Island Superior Court

We would like to take a moment to thank our partners throughout the year!