Deputy Joseph Tath 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) Manda Breuker, Otsego County Chief Assistant Prosecutor; Amy Strohpaul, WRCNM Counselor/Advocate; Tath; Undersheriff Matthew Muladore Otsego County Sheriff’s Office; and Brendan Curran, Otsego County Prosecuting Attorney.

Deputy Joseph Tath of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office 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 Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

Tath said he is honored to receive the award. “I know how hard everyone in Otsego County works, and to be recognized for the hard work I do is very rewarding,” said Tath. “I take a lot of pride in the fact that the victims in these cases feel safe with me. It is so hard to hear their stories and feel for them personally, but have to stay professional. I am gratified my hard work, and how much of myself I give to the victims, is recognized. I feel it is my duty to make each and every victim feel heard and valued.”

Deputy Tath takes his job seriously, according to Undersheriff Matthew Muladore of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office. “He is very dedicated to his work and especially dedicated to those who are victims of domestic violence in our county. Deputy Tath has investigated some very in-depth cases over this last year. These cases are difficult to investigate at times, however, he has dedicated countless hours to make sure these cases get completed thoroughly and submitted to the prosecutor’s office,” said Muladore. He added that Tath has an excellent work ethic.

“I support the nomination of Deputy Joseph Tath for the excellence in service award,” said Manda Breuker, Chief Assistant Prosecutor. “Deputy Tath treats victims of domestic assault with dignity and respect and aggressively uses the investigative tools available to ensure that the prosecutor’s office is able to secure evidence based convictions. He has also shown a great understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence cases that helps victims feel comfortable to cooperate with investigations.”

Eleanor Panci, Victim Advocate with the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office also had praise for Tath stating, “Deputy Tath is kind and understanding, yet strong and supportive, as well. His demeanor immediately places victims in a calm state of security and sets their minds at ease. He understands domestic violence and appreciates the scope of emotions that are included for victims and sometimes their children,” said Panci. “The victims that have interacted with him have been grateful that he was there for them. He listens to them and sympathizes with them. He is well prepared to meet with each one knowing the case details and asking questions to seek the information needed to prosecute.  He knows and performs his job as if it is his passion.”

WRCNM counselor/advocates select Excellence in Service award recipients from Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties that have demonstrated a strong knowledge and understanding of responding to, investigating and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Other honorees for the 2018 Excellence in service award are: Sgt. Rich Bankey, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office; Officer Christie Hoenicke, Boyne City Police Department; Deputy Jon Supernault, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office; and Deputy Brian LaGrandeur, Antrim County Sheriff’s Office.