Outstanding Prosecutors Recognized By Bucks Co. DA's Office

DOYLESTOWN, PA ? Two Bucks County prosecutors have been recognized for their exceptional public service and outstanding performance on the job.

During the office's annual awards ceremony at the Bucks County Justice Center, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office honored Deputy District Attorney Christine M. Sassane and Assistant District Attorney Timothy W. Lutes for their outstanding dedication and public service.

This year's Exceptional Public Service, Professionalism, and Integrity Award was presented to Christine Sassane. Christine, who joined the office in 2018, is a powerhouse, said the DA's office. As Chief of the Homicide by Vehicle/Crash Investigation Unit and Chief of Diversionary Courts, she's at the forefront of incredibly demanding and sensitive work.

With their awards are Deputy District Attorney Christine M. Sassane and Assistant District Attorney Timothy W. Lutes.

The awards presented by the DA's office.

District Attorney Jennifer Schorn recognized Christine's exceptional commitment early on, noting that in the Crash Unit, Christine faces "unimaginable tragedy and loss of human life." It's a role that demands 24/7 availability and immense dedication, said Schorn.

Christine's colleagues echo this praise, saying, "Christine wears so many hats. She handles the most serious and difficult crash cases, despite all the responsibilities on her shoulder. She never complains and is always willing to help her colleagues."

Christine's humility and commitment also shine through.

"We don?t do this job for awards or accolades or anything like that,? she said, in accepting the award. ?We do this to help the community and protect victims. We work really long hours, we work nights, we work weekends. But we all have each other, and I feel like that?s the best part of this job, so for you guys to vote for me for this, this is really, really special.?

The District Attorney's office presented its Outstanding Performance Award to Timothy W. Lutes. Tim, who joined our office in 2019, is an indispensable part of the office's appellate unit and serves as open records officer.

District Attorney Schorn highlighted the crucial, behind-the-scenes work of the appellate unit, stating, ?They?re there for us whenever we need them. And you can never predict when that will be, inevitably it will be in court, and there?ll be an issue that comes up that is a time-sensitive issue.? She added, "We could not do it without the appellate unit. You are doing so much of the heavy lifting so that we can be the face of a successful conviction, but it does not happen without all of you.?

DA Schorn praised Tim's unwavering integrity. "You just step up, you rise to the occasion every time. You are clearly someone whose integrity is without question. If you don?t know the answer, you find the answer, and it?s always so thorough."

Tim graciously accepted his award, saying, "Thank you, guys, for this. This means a whole lot.?