COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Sheriff’s Office is actively recruiting compassionate volunteers to join its Victim Services Team, a specialized unit dedicated to ensuring that no resident has to face grief or tragedy alone.
These advocates provide critical short-term crisis intervention and emotional support to crime victims, individuals facing sudden tragedy, and families coping with the loss of a loved one. Operating under the direction of the local Sheriff’s Office, the team acts as a vital liaison, offering comfort and direction during some of life’s most difficult moments.
The program is part of a nationally recognized initiative introduced by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association in 1988, which earned a Presidential Citation for Private Sector Initiatives just one year after its inception.
Prospective volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to apply, particularly those who feel called to help others due to their own personal experiences with hardship. Selected candidates will undergo a comprehensive 20-hour training program provided by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, covering essential topics such as the stages of grief, effective communication skills, law enforcement protocols, and victims’ rights.
For those interested in making a meaningful difference in the community, volunteer applications are currently available at the Branch County Sheriff’s Office in Coldwater. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff’s Office at 517-278-2325 or reaching out to the Branch County Victim Assistance Coordinator, Denice Mack, at 517-279-6435.
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