Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan presented the Excellence in Service Award to Deputy Jennifer Seeley of the Antrim County Sheriff’s Office for her work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Pictured (from left) are Jim Rossiter, prosecuting attorney with the Antrim County Prosecutor’s Office; Sheriff Daniel Bean of the Antrim County Sheriff’s Office; Jennifer Seeley; Kerrie Ann Shannon, victim coordinator with the Antrim County Prosecutor’s Office; and Jamie Weaver, counselor/advocate with the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan.

Deputy Jennifer Seeley of the Antrim County Sheriff’s Office 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.

When responding to domestic abuse calls, Seeley said, “It’s not just the initial call that is our concern. Our concern is that the victim is aware of all the resources that are available to them. It can be an overwhelming and scary experience and no one should have to go through it alone.”

Sheriff Daniel Bean said Seeley’s recognition was deserved. “Deputy Seeley takes domestic violence very seriously and has a passion for supporting survivors. She works very hard at her job and for those in Antrim County who are experiencing domestic abuse,” Bean said.

Kerrie Ann Shannon, who is the victim coordinator with the Antrim County Prosecutor’s Office encounters Seely in her work supporting survivors. “Deputy Seeley often goes above and beyond and has a great rapport with victims. She has fantastic attention to details and genuine interpersonal skills. She is thorough and approachable, which can help in allowing victims to feel safe and know that they have been heard,” Shannon said.

Jamie Weaver, counselor/advocate with the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, supported Seeley’s recognition. “Deputy Seeley’s diligence with domestic violence cases supports survivor safety. Survivors in the community feel believed and validated by her demeanor and compassion. She often checks up on them to see how they are doing throughout the cases. She meets and exceeds standards of professionalism and helps bridge the trust with the community and police departments in Antrim County,” Weaver said.

Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan counselor/advocates select Excellence in Service award recipients from Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties who have demonstrated a strong knowledge and understanding of responding to, investigating and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Other honorees for the 2019 Excellence in service award are: Deputy Jeremy McAuliff, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Michael Hecko, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department; Lieutenant Mike Parker, Petoskey Department of Public Safety; and Trooper James Leonard of the Michigan State Police post in Gaylord.