The Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association recognized Rep. Luke Malek (R-Coeur d'Alene) for his work in the Legislature supporting public safety.

The IPAA created the Law and Order Award to recognize legislators who make supporting public safety a priority and demonstrate leadership in the Legislature on law enforcement matters.

"Rep. Malek is a champion for Idaho public safety and victims' rights in Idaho" said Holly Koole, IPAA's Legislative Counsel. "Idaho's prosecutors are grateful for Rep. Malek's continued support for crime victims' rights and his ongoing commitment to make Idaho's communities the safest in the nation."

Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Barry McHugh, who currently serves as Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association vice president, said Malek was a unanimous choice by the Board of Directors for the Law and Order Award.

"Rep. Malek has a balanced approach, guarding our individual liberties while seeking to provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to protect Idahoans," McHugh said.

Malek, who serves on the Idaho Legislature's Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, said he considers the recognition an honor.

"Prosecutors serve a vital role in protecting society from those that disregard the law and harm the innocent," he said. "However, they also protect the integrity of the system and rights of the accused. It is humbling that they consider me a champion for the difficult fight they fight every day."

Malek is also a member of the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Oversight Committee, and is the author of Idaho's "revenge pornography" law. In addition to the Law and Order Award, Malek received the "Legislator of the Year" award from the Professional Firefighters of Idaho earlier this year. He lives in Coeur d'Alene with his wife, Tara.

The IPAA is a nonprofit corporation; its members are the elected county prosecutors, more than 200 deputy prosecutors and a number of associate members including municipal attorneys, Idaho attorneys general, U.S. attorneys, tribal attorneys and many others. The organization works to educate, train and assist Idaho's prosecuting attorneys in the pursuit of justice; to foster and encourage communication and cooperation between the state's prosecuting attorneys and their partners in law enforcement; and to be the voice of Idaho's prosecuting attorneys in support of their efforts to protect the rights and safety of the people.