By Rachael Savoie, Human Resources Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan
On August 21, 2019, Elder Law of Michigan will honor Phil Hart, Retired Undersheriff for Saginaw County, with the 2019 Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Award for his 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, “Throughout his long law enforcement career, Phil has been in the forefront of building awareness of elder abuse, its victims, and the role of the criminal justice system in protecting those victims.”
Phil Hart resides in Genesee County, Michigan and is a graduate of Elizabeth Ann Johnson Memorial High School in Mt. Morris. He attended Mott Community College, earning an associate degree in general studies, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University. Phil also attended the 228th Session of Northwestern’s Police Staff and Command, the 233rd Session of the FBI National Academy, and the 203-11th session of the Secret Service Dignitary Protection Seminar.
Phil Hart began his law enforcement career in February 1983, with the Clio-Vienna Police Department after graduating from the Flint Police Academy. He joined the Michigan State Police (MSP) in September 1985 and retired in March of 2012 as Flint Post Commander. Phil worked several different areas within the MSP during his career, including uniform patrol, narcotics, auto theft, post detective, FBI Task Force Agent, Unit Commander, and Post Commander. While assigned to Headquarters and the Training Academy, Phil was a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Elder Abuse; whose focus was to determine what steps would be required to enact proper protections for Michigan’s elderly population through enhanced investigative resources, training for the elderly, and updated laws. Phil is still involved as a member of the Elder Policy Coalition.
In April 2012, immediately after retiring from the MSP, Phil took on the position as Jail Administrator at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. He stayed in this position until September 2014, when he accepted an appointment as Undersheriff to the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office. Phil stayed with the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office until March of 2019 when he resigned to pursue other opportunities.
During his 36-year career in law enforcement, Phil has devoted himself to the safety and protection of the residents of Michigan, especially those who are often the most vulnerable and least able to defend or safeguard themselves.
Elder Law of Michigan is proud to honor Phil Hart with the 2019 Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Award. Please join us in honoring Phil for his many years of service in making a difference in the lives of older adults on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, from 6pm to 8pm at Hop Cat in Detroit.
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Rachael Savoie serves as Human Resources Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan and has been a member of the Elder Law of Michigan team since 2013. As a Human Resources Specialist, Rachael serves as the link between the organization’s management and its employees. She also directs and coordinates the administrative functions for Elder Law of Michigan.