Bruce Morningstar will be recognized by the Lakeshore Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence during an award ceremony on Tuesday, October 25, at Baker Lofts, 573 Columbia Ave. in Holland. The event begins at 6 p.m.
The award is given by the Lakeshore Alliance committee to a law enforcement official who has demonstrated outstanding work with domestic and sexual violence cases or commitment to the prevention of such incidents. Committee members include judges, prosecuting attorneys, non-profit administrators and other community members from Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Morningstar has worked at Grand Valley Public Safety Services since 1998. In addition to community policing, he is the department's Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instructor. He initiated RAD training two years ago; RAD includes physical self defense but also risk awareness and avoidance.
Grand Valley's Women's Center nominated Morningstar for the award. Jo Ann Wassenaar, assistant director, said she believes the number of reported campus sexual assaults (seven in 2004, resulting in two arrests) is low, in part, because of Morningstar's and the department's commitment to prevention programs.
"He focuses on the prevention side through a number of programs that he has either designed or presented to students," Wassenaar said. "He is passionate about educating and giving students, both male and female, the necessary tools for prevention."
A photo of Morningstar is available by calling News and Information Services at 616-331-2221.
