East Jordan Police Chief, Terrence McDonnell received the Excellence in Service Award presented by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) to recognize his work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Also pictured are Charlevoix County Prosecutor’s Office representatives (from left) Libby Mikulski, Crime Victim Rights Advocate; Allen Telgenhof, Prosecutor; McDonnell; Jen Rashleigh-Houser, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate and Kerry Zahner, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

Some of the words colleagues use to describe East Jordan’s Chief of Police, Terrence McDonnell are professional, patient and fair. McDonnell earned the Charlevoix County 2017 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 the award in the five counties they serve as part of October’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

“The effects of domestic violence, both in the long and the short-term, can be extremely detrimental to the physical, psychological and financial health of the victims,” McDonnell explained. He said he appreciates receiving the award and partnering with the prosecutor to bring perpetrators to justice, as well as working with the victim’s advocate and WRCNM to support survivors.

Charlevoix County Prosecutor Allen Telgenhof said McDonnell is deserving of the recognition, “We are fortunate to have Chief McDonnell here in our county. His professionalism not only shows in the cases he personally works on, but also in his leadership of his department.”

McDonnell is described as patient and fair by Libby Mikulski, who works as the Crime Victim Rights Advocate at the Charlevoix County Prosecutor’s Office. “Chief McDonnell is dedicated to keeping individuals safe,” said Mikulski. “He listens to everyone’s side when investigating a situation and gives all involved a chance to tell their side of the story. It is apparent in his investigations that he is willing to put in whatever amount of time it may take to thoroughly investigate a crime.”

WRCNM Counselor/Advocate, Jen Rashleigh-Houser said McDonnell cares deeply about the people he serves. “He takes safety very seriously and his calm demeanor during interviews helps keep difficult situations from escalating. His kind and thorough manner help him in understanding the events leading up to a law enforcement intervention as well as what has occurred most recently.” Rashleigh-Houser added that she is honored to work alongside him in the community and present him this award.

Those receiving awards were selected by WRCNM counselor/advocates who provide support services and advocacy for domestic abuse survivors and work in conjunction with law enforcement in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. Other honorees for 2017 are: Sheriff Daniel S. Bean, Antrim County Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Darren LaChapelle, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office; Lt. Todd Troxel, City of Petoskey Department of Public Safety; and Deputy James Fox, Otsego County Sheriff’s Office.