The Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association has named Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney the District Attorney of the Year for 2024, citing his “pursuit of justice for victims.”
The announcement, which was released in 2025, says that Toney was nominated for the honor by City of Fond du Lac Chief of Police Aaron Goldstein.
“Chief Goldstein elaborated in his nomination by commenting on difficult homicide cases DA Toney successfully prosecuted while also successfully overcoming a serious heart condition that left him hospitalized but undeterred in his pursuit of justice for victims,” a statement from the WDAA says.
“In addition, the selection committee noted that Eric Toney was instrumental in successfully advocating for additional prosecutor positions and pay progression for Assistant District Attorneys while President of the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association and while continuing as a Board member for nearly a decade,” it adds.
“Under Eric’s leadership, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication and integrity in the pursuit of justice,” said Goldstein in the news release. Toney was the Republican nominee for state Attorney General.
“Eric’s leadership in handling major cases, understanding of the law and ability to navigate our complex cases is truly impressive. The successful convictions we have achieved are a testament to his expertise and commitment to our community,” he said.
“Eric has shown remarkable compassion for our victims while still being relentless with persuasive arguments to bring offenders to justice and hold those who choose to put our community at risk responsible or their criminal actions here. Simply stated Eric Toney instills confidence in our criminal justice legal system here.”
The chief also said that Toney is very active in “our community through our community engagement events. Eric’s community engagement fosters trust and collaboration between law enforcement and community members.”
“I’m honored to have received the 2024 District Attorney of the Year award from my colleagues, especially after the challenging year 2023 brought, with unexpected open-heart surgery,” Toney said.
“I’ll continue to fight for justice while also advocating for health and wellness. I’m incredibly proud of our team and my role in helping secure a significant budget for prosecutors and public defenders that has made a difference across Wisconsin. Ultimately, this award is a testament to the incredible team in my office and the amazing law enforcement partners we work with every day.”
The other award winners were:
Deputy District Attorney of the Year: Rebecca Meyer, Sheboygan County
The release says: “Marquette, 2020. Nominated by= ADA Hannah Koniar who cited Rebecca’s commitment to the attorneys in the office and the support staff, encouraging comraderie in and out of the office. In addition, the selection committee recognized Rebecca for her tenacity in continuing to work in a supervisory capacity even with a high turnover of attorneys in prosecutor offices and the added burden that creates for others in the office.”
Assistant District Attorney of the Year: Nick Heitman, Milwaukee County
The release says: “2009 graduate of Marquette University Law School. Nominated by Victim Witness Specialist Kristin Raymond who worked with Nick for more than a decade in the Domestic Violence Unit. Nick was described as a consummate prosecutor who worked tirelessly seeking justice for victims despite threats to himself and his family. Nick was described as an incredibly knowledgeable trial attorney who also possesses tremendous institutional knowledge and is a valuable asset to the office and especially newer ADAs. While Nick is moving on from the Domestic Violence Unit, he will continue encourage his colleagues in the Public Integrity Unit.”
