Officer Stefan Crane of the Gaylord City Police Department received the Excellence in Service Award for Otsego County. The award was presented by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan to recognize Crane’s work in promoting domestic violence victim safety and offender accountability. Also pictured are (from left) Terri Thomasma, Victims Advocate with Otsego County Prosecutors Office; Manda Breuker, Otsego County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney; Michael Rola, Otsego County Prosecuting Attorney; Amy Strohpaul, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; Crane; and Gaylord Police Chief, Brett McVannel.

Officer Stefan Crane of the Gaylord City Police Department is recipient of the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) 2015 Excellence in Service Award for Otsego 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.

Domestic abuse calls are difficult, according to Crane. “Victims are afraid to speak with police because of retaliation from the suspect or because of their feelings of affection toward the suspect,” said Crane. “It’s important for responding officers to establish trust with the victims so they can fully investigate the incident.” Crane also said domestic abuse victims are often isolated from friends and family which makes exiting an abusive relationship very difficult.

“The job of the police officer is not merely to investigate the incident and make an arrest, but to attempt to educate victims on establishing safe and appropriate relationships,” said Crane. He also provides victims information on local resources such as the Women’s Resource Center and Safe Home to “help break the cycle of violence and prevent future incidents.”

Gaylord Police Chief, Brett McVannel has worked with Crane for 13 years on cases that range from non-criminal to extremely violent crimes. He said Crane represents the department and City of Gaylord well. “The one thing that is constant with Officer Crane, no matter the severity of the complaint, he gives each incident 110%. Officer Crane’s hard work and dedication had made him an outstanding officer. The award given to him is a true reflection of his compassion towards helping the citizens of our community.”

Otsego County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Manda Breuker also had praise for Crane’s work. “I fully support the nomination of Officer Stefan Crane for the excellence in service award,” said Breuker. “Officer Crane has a reputation for treating victims of domestic assault with dignity and respect. He has also shown a great understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence cases and exhibits knowledge with his reporting that helps the prosecuting attorney’s office secure convictions.”

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: Barb Orban, Charlevoix City Police Department; Detective Josh Gladu, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office; Brenda Nowak, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Bill Robbins, Mancelona Police Department.