This past weekend, Port Huron Police Department Chief Joe Platzer was selected as one of the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Officers of the Year for his work in the mental health community.
Platzer was one of four nominated by St. Clair Community Mental Health for NAMI Michigan’s Annual NAMI Michigan Honors , and one of many who attended the associated gala this past Saturday, April 15. Chief Platzer and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Mat King were nominated in the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year category.
Wendy Martindale, SCCCMH Veteran’s Navigator, was nominated in the Peer Support of the Year category, while Mary Croteau, recently retired SCCCMH nurse, was nominated in the Nursing Professional of the Year category.
Each nominee has developed partnerships and created stronger recovery pathways while supporting individuals in recovery. Via their Facebook announcement of the award, St. Clair County Community Mental Health credited “the leadership of Chief Platzer, [as] the Port Huron Police Department has become a leader in prioritizing mental health training for law enforcement officers.” The organization also noted that Platzer was instrumental in collaborating with them and the Mobile Crisis Unit.
