Crime Prevention Month

October is Crime Prevention Month and it is the month that the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan  conducts it's annual Crime Prevention Conference; this year in Traverse City Michigan. The meeting is attended by law enforcement  and neighborhood crime prevention specialists from across Michigan.

 

Tuesday night featured an award presentation, during which many West Michigan Law Enforcement Agencies were recognized, including Kentwood, Wyoming and Walker. Outstanding Volunteer of the Year was Mr. Anthony Martin with the Eastown Community Association.  Also recognized was Mr. Rich Geldhof, Rogue River Tavern for his support of projects od community projects offered by the  Rockford Michigan Police Department.  The association also recognizes a youth each year and this year's recipient was Sydney Bogard from Rockford.

 

Kent County Deputy Nate Ertle, former Community Policing Officer for Alpine Township was recognized for his past service to his community and for has past service to the Board of Directors  of the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan.

 

The City of Walker Public Safety Director Chief Catherine Garcia Lindstrom was recognized for her  for her work and commitment towards Explorer Post 2043, which is made up of local young people under the age of 21 who are interested in a career in Law Enforcement.

 

Accompanying Chief Garcia Lindstrom to the conference and presentation were community policing officers Butch Redzinski and Shannon VenderHeuvel, a number of civilian guests, and three special guests, members of Explorer Post 2043 Lauren Van Dam, Sydney Bogard, and Kenowa Hills High School student Elizabeth Caputo.

 

Former Grand Rapids Chief of Police Harry Dolan offered an inspiring key note address and remained for a Wednesday presentation on "Public Safety Excellence", stressing points that  are as important to other public officials as they are to law enforcement.

 

Crime Prevention and Community Policing and the proactive programs and practices that accompany  these mindsets, are very much contributing towards the betterment of life in Alpine Township.  As we celebrate Crime Prevention Month,  this is a great opportunity to thank deputies Nate Ertle and Ryan Guernsey, all other Kent County Sheriff personnel assigned to our Township and volunteers for whatever cause they are connected to for their past, current, and future commitment.

 

Left to right Lauren Van Dam, Officer Shannon VanderHeuvel. Elizabeth Caputo, Officer Buth Redzinski, Sydney Bogard and Chief Catherine Garcria-Lindstrom

 

 

 

Grand Traverse County Honor Guard