Under Sheriff Charles (Chuck) Vondra, (second from left) received the Excellence in Service Award for Charlevoix County. The award, presented by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM), recognizes Vondra’s work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Also pictured are (from left) Allen Telegenhof, Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney; Vondra; Jen Rashleigh-Houser, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider; and Libby Mikulski, Victim Advocate/Witness Coordinator with the Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Under Sheriff Charles Vondra is the recipient of the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) 2014 Excellence in Service Award for Charlevoix County. The award recognizes five law enforcement officers in each of the counties served by the WRCNM who promote domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability.

“I am extremely honored to have been selected for this award and I’d like to thank the Women’s Resource Center for the recognition,” said Vondra after receiving the award. “While I’m extremely honored, the important thing is to bring awareness and to ultimately end domestic violence.”

“Under Sheriff Vondra was instrumental in the creation and adoption of our Charlevoix County Law Enforcement Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Order Policy,” said Allen Telgenhof, Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney. “He has also been a leader on our Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force and an advocate for law enforcement training in the area of domestic violence.”

Charlevoix County Sheriff Don Schneider also praised Vondra’s work, “Chuck gives 110% all the time. He’s certainly a great advocate for victims of any kind.”

Jen Rashleigh-Houser, a WRCNM counselor/advocate who works with survivors of domestic abuse, said Vondra’s work is exemplary. “I have heard from many clients who have worked with Chuck about how great he was in meeting their needs quickly and with an eye on their safety. They have felt very supported by him,” said Rashleigh-Houser. “He really is an asset to our community and doesn’t hesitate to get involved.”

Those receiving awards were selected by WRCNM counselor/advocates who provide support services and advocacy for domestic abuse survivors and also work in cooperation with law enforcement in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. Other award honorees for 2014 are: Deputy Mark McCool, Antrim County; Deputy Jeffrey Bur, Cheboygan County; Deputy Phil Copeland, Emmet County; and Sergeant Trevor Winkel, Otsego County.