Detective Josh Gladu, (fourth from left) of the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, received the Excellence in Service Award for Emmet County. The award, presented by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM), recognizes Gladu’s work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Also pictured are (from left) Marie Leirstein, Victim Witness Coordinator with the Emmet County Prosecutors Office; James R. Linderman, Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney; Haley Fortune, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; Gladu; and Emmet County Sheriff Peter A. Wallin.

Detective Josh Gladu of the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is the recipient of the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) 2015 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 and to represent the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office,” Gladu said after learning he had been selected for this year’s award.

In their daily work, police, prosecutors, probation officers and other law enforcement personnel work with WRCNM staff on domestic violence cases in an effort to ensure victim safety.

“We are happy to be a part of this collaborative effort with the Women’s Resource Center,” said Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin. The two organizations have worked together for years to better assist victims of domestic violence and ultimately create a safer community for those who live here.

Haley Fortune, a WRCNM counselor/advocate said of Gladu’s recognition, “The staff of the Women’s Resource Center, as well as the Prosecutor’s Office, agree Detective Josh Gladu deserves to be recognized for his consistent professionalism and support while working with survivors of domestic abuse.” Fortune also noted that Gladu’s careful and considerate approach when handling domestic violence cases was exceptional.

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 2015 are: Chief Bill Robbins, Mancelona Police Department; Barb Orban, Charlevoix City Police Department; Brenda Nowak, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office; and Officer Stefan Crane, Gaylord City Police Department.