LANSING –
The Michigan Gay Officers Action League (MI-GOAL) has announced the 2012 recipients of its annual "LGBT Professional" and LGBT Ally of the Year" awards.
MI-GOAL was established in 2010 and is an affiliate chapter of LEGAL International. MI-GOAL exists to advocate for the equal treatment of Michigan's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender law enforcement, public safety, corrections and criminal justice professionals, and their non-gay allies.
This year's awards are in recognition of a collaborative initiative between the Ingham Co. Sheriff's Office (ICSO) and MI-GOAL – developing and launching an agency training module on the subject of "Law Enforcement and the LGBT Community."
This was MIGOAL's first full-agency training initiative.
Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth and Major Joel Maatman of the Ingham County Sheriff's Office are each recognized as a MIGOAL's "LGBT Allies of the Year."
Sheriff Wriggelsworth is acknowledged for his initiative and advocacy in seeking out a mandatory training for all department staff. Major Maatman is acknowledged for his helpful collaboration with MI-GOAL in coordinating and supporting the training throughout the department.
Officer Erin Linn, a K-9 Officer with the Meridian Township Police Department, is recognized as MIGOAL's "LGBT Professional of the Year." Officer Linn is acknowledged for leading the development of the training module, and for her tireless dedication in conducting the numerous training sessions fully training the department. She is also MI-GOAL Treasurer.
In addition to general information about the community, this two-hour module explores relationships between law enforcement and LGBT people as well as law enforcement professionals working alongside their LGBT colleagues. The innovative and groundbreaking training has been certified by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
Sheriff Wriggelsworth reflected, "This is great training for today's law enforcement officers. I truly appreciate the efforts of MI-GOAL and their trainers in presenting this important information. Great training, long over due!"
Major Joel Maatman reported that staff reviews were very positive, and that the agency was impressed with the quality of the trainers and that a lot of good comments and questions came from the program.
MI-GOAL extends its gratitude to each of these professionals, and congratulates them on their well-deserved honor.
MI-GOAL Announces 'LGBT Professional And Allies Of The Year'
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