English
SpanishOtsego County law enforcement recognized
Deputy James Fox of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office 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) Undersheriff Matthew Muladore, Otsego County Sheriff’s Office; Fox; Amy Strohpaul, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; and from the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office, Brendan Curran, Prosecuting Attorney; Manda Breuker, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney; and Eleanor Panci, Crime Victim Advocate.
“It’s very important to let survivors know they are not to blame and that they are doing the right thing by reporting the abuse,” said Deputy James Fox of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office about responding to domestic violence cases.
Fox earned the Otsego County 2017 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 award in the five counties they serve as part of October’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.
Fox explained there are endless unknowns when an officer is dispatched on a domestic abuse call. He said it’s important to respond to abuse survivors with compassion because often they still have an emotional connection to the abusive person. Because the court system can seem intimidating and confusing to many people, Fox makes it a priority to thoroughly explain the process to survivors once the case enters the courts.
“Domestic violence is very dynamic and frequently children are involved or present for these incidents,” said Fox. “It’s important to give the children attention, as well. I make a point to notice the children and a friendly wave and ‘hello’ lets them know I’m there to help.”
Otsego County Sheriff Matthew Nowicki said Fox is deserving of the award. “His knowledge, persistence, compassion and enthusiasm are attributes Fox brings to the table each and every day he puts on the uniform,” said Nowicki. “It is obvious to anyone who comes in contact with Deputy Fox that what he does is not just a job to him, it is his profession. He has worked very hard to get to this point, and he takes great pride in the career he has chosen.”
Undersheriff Matt Muladore agrees, “Deputy Fox conducts thorough investigations and routinely goes the extra mile to communicate effectively with crime victims. He takes domestic violence seriously and it shows by the work he puts into those cases from the beginning all the way through trial if need be.”
Law enforcement officers work closely with the prosecutor’s office. Otsego County Prosecuting Attorney, Brendan Curran said he’s proud to be professionally associated with Fox, whom he describes as a skilled investigator. “His demonstrated ability to exercise compassion and discretion in the interest of public safety as he performs his duties should bring admiration and acclaim,” said Curran. “He embodies a combination of the energy of youth and the wisdom of age that results in exceptional police work. Ever willing to cheerfully engage in follow up investigation upon request, James has earned the respect and admiration of his police peers and all of us at the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office.”
Otsego County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Manda Breuker praised Fox for treating survivors with dignity and respect. “Deputy Fox has 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,” said Breuker.
Those receiving awards were selected by WRCNM counselor/advocates who provide support services and advocacy for domestic abuse survivors and work in conjunction with law enforcement in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. Other honorees for 2017 are: Sheriff Daniel S. Bean, Antrim County Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Darren LaChapelle, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office; Terrence McDonnell, East Jordan Police Chief; and Lt. Todd Troxel, City of Petoskey Department of Public Safety