Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) presented the Excellence in Service Award to Lieutenant Mike Parker with the Petoskey Department of Public Safety for his work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Pictured (from left) are Matthew Breed, Director of the Petoskey Department of Public Safety; Katelyn Morse, Victims Advocate and Witness Coordinator with the Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Lindsay Walker, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; Mike Parker; and Mike Schuitema, Chief Assistant Prosecutor with the Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Lieutenant Mike Parker with the Petoskey Department of Public Safety earned an Excellence in Service Award for his work responding to and investigating domestic abuse cases. Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan recognizes law enforcement officers with the annual award in the five counties they serve as part of October’s National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

Matthew Breed, Director of the Petoskey Department of Public Safety, said Parker is deserving of the recognition because he exceeds expectations in his work. “Lt. Parker is the officer who always goes the extra mile to make certain crime victims are afforded the help they deserve from all the resources and organizations available here in Northern Michigan,” Breed said.

Breed said each situation is different and must be assessed quickly and Parker quickly determines the most helpful course of action for the victim and handles it in a caring and compassionate manner.

Emmet County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Michael Schuitema said Parker approaches domestic abuse cases with the essential sensitivity and understanding needed. “Lt. Parker is a great example of how law enforcement in our community works diligently to protect victims of domestic assault and to make sure those who commit these crimes are held accountable,” Schuitema said.

Kate Morse who works with Parker as the Victim’s Advocate and Witness Coordinator with the Emmet County Prosecutor’s Office, said “Lt. Parker always has a great attitude and is always willing to go above and beyond to assist all victims.”

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 Jennifer Seeley, Antrim County Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Jeremy McAuliff, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Michael Hecko, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department; and Trooper James Leonard of the Michigan State Police post in Gaylord.