The Paul Carrington Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has awarded the prestigious Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos, in honor of her extensive public service work and accomplishments during her criminal justice career.

Lykos, a former Houston Police Officer and 15-year judge of Harris County and State District Criminal Courts, was cited by the group "in recognition of her outstanding achievement and dedication to the maintenance of law and order."

In bestowing the honor, Chapter officials praised Lykos for bringing impressive academic and professional credentials, devotion and "unimpeachable integrity" into the immense challenges of her job as the top law enforcement officer of a county that is among the largest in the United States.

The Chapter recognized her for innovative anti-crime initiatives, particularly against violent offenses. Lykos also was credited with launching prosecution programs to improve safety and services for groups such as domestic violence victims, youth, the elderly and other of the most vulnerable targets of crime.

Presenting the medal was T. Lynn McKee Jr., President of the Carrington Chapter of the Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. The national organization dates back to 1876 and has 28,000 members. The SAR is an historical, educational and patriotic non-profit group. It has the stated commitment of preserving the ideals of the War for Independence, support for veterans and inspiring the community with the nation's founding principles.

The first SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal went to then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover in 1968. That began the tradition of SAR honoring those "who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement."