Deputy Phil Copeland, (second from left) received the Excellence in Service Award for Emmet County. The award, presented by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM), recognizes Copeland’s work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Also pictured are (from left) James R. Linderman, Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney; Copeland; Lauren Kutzler, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; and Emmet County Sheriff Peter A. Wallin.


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

“I am honored to receive this award,” said Copeland. “Domestic Violence is a problem that has been receiving more attention in the media, but is not a new problem. It has existed for much too long and I hope that our work reflects the importance of this issue and that I can continue to do my part in helping victims receive the best support possible.”

“I believe that Deputy Copeland’s actions are a result of a concerned officer, as well as the information and training that he has received through the Office on Violence against Women’s domestic violence grant,” said James R. Linderman, Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney. “Copeland is a fine example of the quality deputies that are being hired by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office.”

Emmet County Sheriff Peter A. Wallin said he was proud Deputy Copeland was the recipient of this award. “He is a reflection of the way our entire office operates,” said Wallin. “We strongly support the work of the Women’s Resource Center and The Emmet County Prosecuting Office. I am grateful to work in collaboration with great organizations and people who are all working hard to combat domestic violence.”

Lauren Kutzler, a WRCNM counselor/advocate who works with survivors of domestic abuse, said the selection was difficult because there are so many deserving officers in Emmet County. However, Kutzler found a common theme after speaking to her clients. “Deputy Copeland made them feel comfortable, less intimidated and safe. If a victim has a positive first experience with a responding officer it goes a very long way. Additionally, I reached out to the Prosecutor’s Office and they also had very positive experiences working with Deputy Copeland. He makes families feel more comfortable and goes above and beyond in checking in with them and helping them through their trauma. His job does not end when he submits his report. “

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; Under Sheriff Charles Vondra, Charlevoix County; Deputy Jeffrey Bur, Cheboygan County; and Sergeant Trevor Winkel, Otsego County.