Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) presented the Excellence in Service Award to Officer Christie Hoenicke of the Boyne City Police Department for her work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Also pictured are (from left) Libby Mikulski, Charlevoix Prosecutor’s Office Victim Advocate/Witness Coordinator; Chris Krajewski, WRCNM Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Program Director; Hoenicke; Chief Jeff Gaither, Boyne City Police Department; and Allen R. Telgenhof, Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney.

Officer Christie Hoenicke of the Boyne City Police Department earned an Excellence in Service Award for her work responding to and investigating domestic abuse cases. Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) recognizes law enforcement officers with the annual award in the five counties they serve as part of October’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

Officer Hoenicke said she appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and help victims and their families. “I have dedicated my career in ways to better my education and training when dealing with victims and victims’ rights,” said Hoenicke. “I will take as much time as needed to make sure the victim and their families get the outcome they deserve and support they need. In the past, I have worked closely with the WRCNM and will continue to work with them to assist in the needs of every victim out there.”

Chief Jeff Gaither of the Boyne City Police Department said Hoenicke has been with the department for a year and a half, but in that time she has made a big impact on the community. “Officer Hoenicke goes beyond what is expected of an officer when dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Her compassion for the victims and her thorough investigations are why she stands out, and are the reasons she was chosen for this award,” said Gaither. “We are very fortunate to have her as part of our Boyne City Police Department.”

Charlevoix County Prosecutor, Allen R. Telgenhof said he is pleased to see Officer Hoenicke honored with this award because it is well deserved. “Officer Hoenicke has been a tremendous addition to law enforcement in our county,” said Telgenhof. “She is a very diligent officer who is passionate about her work, and it shows. In the area of domestic violence, she is an officer we can count on to do a thorough investigation up front and to follow through with the survivor which is so important to our cases. Telgenof indicated that because of Hoenicke’s aptitude in this area, survivors who come forward feel supported.

Libby Mikulski, Victim Advocate and Witness Coordinator at the Charlevoix Prosecutor’s Office was also supportive of Hoenicke’s recognition, saying she shows genuine kindness and compassion interacting with survivors. “She has gone the extra mile to show them that she truly cares about their safety and well-being. On a few occasions when she has come to court she takes steps to reconnect with the victim, letting them know that she cares about them and that she respects them. When I have seen footage of her on the scene of a crime, it is clear that the personal safety of the victim and stopping the violence is her number one concern.” Mikulski said she is grateful for the caring and dedication Hoenicke shows on the job every day.

WRCNM Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Program Director, Chris Krajewski described Honicke as professional, compassionate and deserving of this year’s award of excellence. “She is an officer we all can be proud to have in our present; she knows her responsibilities well and exceeds the high standards set for police,” said Krajewski.

WRCNM counselor/advocates select Excellence in Service award recipients from Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties that have demonstrated a strong knowledge and understanding of responding to, investigating and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Other honorees for the 2018 Excellence in service award are: Sgt. Rich Bankey, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Jon Supernault, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Joseph Tath, Otsego County Sheriff’s Office; and Deputy Brian LaGrandeur, Antrim County Sheriff Office.