Petoskey Public Safety Officer Scott Gosciak (second from left) was recognized by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) for his work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability.  Also pictured are (from left) James R. Linderman, Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney; Gosciak; Haley Fortune, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; and Marie Coleman, Crime Victim Advocate/Witness Coordinator with the Emmet County Prosecutors Office.

Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) recognized Petoskey Public Safety Officer Scott Gosciak for his work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Gosciak is one of five law enforcement representatives to receive the Excellence in Service award in the WRCNM’s five-county service area.

“It is an honor and privilege to be recognized by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan,” said Gosciak. “The organization is a valuable community asset that assists victims of domestic violence. I strive to be an advocate for the victims, while being compassionate and understanding during their time of need.”

Matt Breed, City of Petoskey Public Safety Director, said they work closely with the WRCNM on situations of domestic violence. Breed was pleased to see Officer Gosciak recognized as a caring and professional member of the Petoskey Department of Public Safety.

“Survivors of domestic violence need an officer who is willing to go the extra mile to help them, it is a critical time for them and having the right officer is crucial to their survival,” said Breed. “Officer Gosciak has proven over and over that he is in fact that officer who is there for the victim. I am proud of Scott for receiving this award and I thank the Women’s Resource Center for recognizing his hard work.”

Haley Fortune, a WRCNM counselor/advocate said Officer Gosciak has a kind, patient approach working with survivors of domestic violence. “He has supported survivors by helping them gain immediate safety during times of crisis and then we have seen him maintain a relationship with survivors by contacting them several days later to offer his support and check on their well-being and safety,” said Fortune. “This type of support from law enforcement officers in our community is incredibly helpful and significant to survivors of domestic violence.”

In a statement issued from the Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Gosciak is also described as empathetic and caring toward crime victims and impartial, respectful and professional in his work.

WRCNM counselor/advocates select recipients of the Excellence in Service award because they often work cooperatively with law enforcement on domestic abuse situations in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. Honorees in other counties are: Deputy Skyler Skrobecki, Antrim County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Nathan Kaminski, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office; Sergeant Brandon Blumke, Tuscarora Township Police Department; and Trooper Brock Artfitch, Gaylord Michigan State Police Post.