IRON MOUNTAIN — A volunteer program in Dickinson County is providing “helping hands” to police, fire and medical personnel. The Dickinson County Victims Service Unit operates under the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, providing a bridge between law enforcement and victims. VSU advocates provide short-term crisis intervention to individuals after a traumatic event, as well as aiding first responders and law-enforcement. “The unit is made up of caring and compassionate, trained volunteer citizens who can provide basic crisis intervention, community information and referrals, emotional support and guidance,” said Kristal Kusmitch, Dickinson County VSU coordinator. “They free up first responders to do their jobs without leaving the victim forgotten, excluded or ignored.” Advocates are paged out by Dickinson County Central Dispatch. Kusmitch then takes the lead for the call-outs. VSU currently has eight fully trained advocates and another two who are ready to attend training offered through the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association Victim Services Program. The 20-hour training covers subjects such as the five stages of grief, effective communication techniques, law enforcement protocols and the rights of victims in the criminal justice system. VSU volunteers meet monthly. Those interested in becoming a VSU advocate can contact the sheriff’s office at 906-774-6262.

IRON MOUNTAIN — A volunteer program in Dickinson County is providing “helping hands” to police, fire and medical personnel.

The Dickinson County Victims Service Unit operates under the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, providing a bridge between law enforcement and victims.

VSU advocates provide short-term crisis intervention to individuals after a traumatic event, as well as aiding first responders and law-enforcement.

“The unit is made up of caring and compassionate, trained volunteer citizens who can provide basic crisis intervention, community information and referrals, emotional support and guidance,” said Kristal Kusmitch, Dickinson County VSU coordinator. “They free up first responders to do their jobs without leaving the victim forgotten, excluded or ignored.”

Advocates are paged out by Dickinson County Central Dispatch. Kusmitch then takes the lead for the call-outs.

VSU currently has eight fully trained advocates and another two who are ready to attend training offered through the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association Victim Services Program. The 20-hour training covers subjects such as the five stages of grief, effective communication techniques, law enforcement protocols and the rights of victims in the criminal justice system.

VSU volunteers meet monthly.

Those interested in becoming a VSU advocate can contact the sheriff’s office at 906-774-6262.