By Jennifer Blank, MiCAFE Network Coordinator, at Elder Law of Michigan
On August 14, 2019, Elder Law of Michigan will honor Berrien County Deputy, Kelly Laesch, with the 2019 Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Award for her elder abuse prevention work.
The Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Awards honor those that share the mission of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. to advocate for, educate, and assist those in need, with a continued focus on older adults and persons with disabilities.
Ron Tatro, Vice President of Elder Law of Michigan, said, “Law enforcement officers are often the first to learn about elder abuse. Through her many efforts to protect seniors from abuse, Deputy Laesch has been instrumental in creating new and innovative programs, such as the “porch light” project, and is recognized as a prevention leader in her profession.
Deputy Kelly Laesch is a Central Michigan University graduate with a double major in Criminal Justice and Family Studies. Her desire to work in law enforcement began in college where she became a student officer for the campus police. Deputy Laesch returned to Berrien County, Michigan where she became a member of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.
Deputy Laesch has been a part of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office for twenty years. She was hired as a Corrections Officer, and then attended Kellogg Community College to obtain her Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification. Deputy Laesch has served on the County Road Patrol and Narcotics Unit. She has been in her current position as Crime Prevention Coordinator for the last nine years.
Throughout her years of service for the Sheriff’s Office she has realized the Crime Prevention Coordinator position has tightly aligned her with her educational and career focus. Through the crime prevention position Deputy Laesch has expanded her experience by working collaboratively with local service agencies, schools, and community leaders. She continues to strive for innovative and preventative ways to assist all citizens in Berrien County.
Elder Law of Michigan is proud to honor Kelly with the 2019 Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Award. Join us in honoring Kelly and her years of service in making a difference in the lives of older adults Wednesday August 14, 2019 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Founders Brewery in Grand Rapids. RSVP for the West Michigan event .
Jennifer Blanck is a MiCAFE Network Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan and has been with Elder Law of Michigan since September 2014. As a MiCAFE Network Coordinator, Jennifer helps clients apply for benefits through the Department of Health and Human Services and helps find resources for clients with needs that cannot be met by one of our programs.