VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES NEEDED FOR EMMET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE VICTIM SERVICES UNIT
Emmet County Sheriff Peter A. Wallin is looking for volunteers to join the Emmet County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit. The Emmet County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit was organized in 2002. Since that time, the unit has assisted hundreds of victims and families in times of crisis in their lives.
The volunteers are made up of a cross-section of the community, that have been recruited through various community and service organizations. The are the helping hands of the police, fire and medical personnel - freeing emergency personnel to do their jobs without leaving the victim feeling forgotten, excluded or ignored. The unit is designed to provide immediate comfort and help to the victims, make referrals to appropriate agencies and services according to need, and serve as a go-between for the victims, their families, scene officials and emergency service providers.
The volunteers are available 24 hours a day. The Victim Service advocates are requested through the Emmet County Sheriff's Office. Two advocates respond to any request for assistance. The advocates are available to respond to calls of: homicide, suicide, and natural deaths, fatal or natural disasters, drownings, auto and recreational vehicle accidents, and other catastrophes as needed. Advocates make initial contact with victims and families and place a follow-up call. They are not counselors and will not be involved in a long-term relationship.
The Emmet County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit is funded by grants from the Baiardi Family Foundation Fund, Michigan Sheriff's Association and the United Parcel Service.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please stop by the Emmet County Sheriff's Office at 450 Bay Street, Petoskey, Michigan or the Emmet County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Center at 3460 Harbor Petoskey Road, Harbor Springs, Michigan to pick up an application. For more information contact to Emmet County Sheriff's Office at 231 347-2032.
Authority Sheriff Peter A. Wallin