Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan presented the Excellence in Service Award to Assistant Chief Dan Mercer with the Boyne City Police Department for his work in responding to and investigating domestic abuse cases. Pictured (from left) are Greg Weston, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney; Jen Rashleigh-Houser, Crime Victim Rights Advocate/Witness Coordinator with the prosecutor’s office; Kevin Spate, Boyne City Police Department Chief of Police; Mercer; Melissa Fousek, WRCNM advocate; Allen R. Telgenhof, Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney; and Kerry Zahner, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

Boyne City Police Department Assistant Chief Dan Mercer earned an Excellence in Service Award for his work responding to and investigating domestic abuse cases.

Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) recognizes law enforcement officers with this annual award in the five counties they serve as part of October’s National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. Award recipients demonstrate a strong knowledge and understanding of the complexities of domestic violence.

Other honorees for the 2022 Excellence in service award included: Deputy Mark Hazen, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office; Undersheriff Kevin Hoch, Antrim County Sheriff’s Department; Trooper Joseph Duff, Michigan State Police Gaylord Post; and Deputy Daniel Stacks, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department.

Mercer is a great asset to the Boyne City Police Department, according to Chief Kevin Spate.

“Asst. Chief Mercer’s investigations involving all cases, including domestic abuse cases, are always handled with great compassion and professionalism. His attention to detail is second to none, and his reports are always very thorough and concise. Dan is a very caring individual, and we are proud to have him as a member of the Boyne City Police Department,” Spate said.

Allen R. Telgenhof, Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney said, “Assistant Chief Mercer is a very deserving recipient of this award. He combines excellent investigative skills with a victim-centered approach. We are very fortunate to have him working in Charlevoix County.”

Jen Rashleigh-Houser is the crime victim rights advocate and witness coordinator with the Charlevoix County prosecutor’s office. She said Mercer goes above and beyond in his investigations.

“Assistant Chief Mercer has great knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and what victims may fear. He works not only to complete a thorough investigation but to alleviate those fears as best as he can. He takes time with victims so they feel heard and validated and so he has a complete understanding of the unique situation each person is facing.”