Trooper James Leonard of the Michigan State Police post in Gaylord 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 (from left) Brendan Curran, Otsego County Prosecuting Attorney; Eleanor Panci, Otsego County Victim Advocate; Leonard; Amy Strohpaul, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; Manda Breuker, Otsego County Chief Assistant Prosecutor; and 1st Lt. Jason Nemecek, Michigan State Police, Gaylord Post Commander.

Trooper James Leonard of the Michigan State Police post in Gaylord earned an 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 annual award in the five counties they serve as part of October’s National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

Leonard said he has responded to many domestic abuse cases over the years and he is highly aware of their volatility and how a situation can easily escalate.

“One thing I force myself to do after ensuring all involved are safe, is to make the best effort I can to investigate the entire situation,’ said Leonard. “The laws involving domestic assault are clear for police, but to make good decisions, you really need to understand what brought the incident to the point it has reached. It’s also very important to me that the victims are given some guidance about how to move forward.” Leonard said survivors of domestic abuse may feel blamed for the abuse they have experience and may feel there is nowhere they can turn to for support and understanding.

Post Commander 1st Lt. Jason Nemecek said Trooper Leonard is dedicated to public safety and a strong advocate for all victims of crime, especially survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

“Trooper Leonard displays a compassion and empathy for such victims and is dedicated to bringing all complaints to a just conclusion,” said Nemecek. “Leonard is deserving of the Excellence in Service award because he displays the characteristics of excellence, integrity and courtesy every day.”

Brendan Curran, Otsego County Prosecuting Attorney weighed in on Leonard’s recognition, “I believe I should express how impressed I have long been with Trooper Leonard’s finely honed investigative skills being burnished by his significant patience and dogged, methodical persistence. If I were a crime victim, I would want a police officer just like Jim Leonard to investigate my complaint.”

Otsego County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Manda Breuker also had praise for Leonard, “He investigates many domestic violence cases that are prosecuted in Otsego County. He has a reputation for maintaining a high standard of professionalism and treating victims with dignity and respect.” Breuker said Leonard’s meticulous reporting and thorough investigations are crucial to securing an evidence-based conviction.

Eleanor Panci who is the Otsego County Victim Advocate in the prosecutor’s office said, “Trooper Leonard’s professionalism and knowledge in the area of domestic violence is a great comfort to survivors.” She said Leonard is always willing to calmly listen and explain his understanding of the situation to help provide a feeling of security to survivors, as well as a sense that people care about their well-being.

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 Lieutenant Mike Parker, Petoskey Department of Public Safety.