ST. JOSEPH — Berrien County’s Victim Services Unit has been recognized by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association as No. 1 in the state for 2012.

President Jim Cassidy told the Board of Commissioners Oct. 18, “We are honored and grateful to have received this award. We thank Sheriff Paul Bailey for his tireless efforts and support on our behalf.”

The 22-member team, including Commissioner Marletta Seats of Benton Harbor, performs short-term crisis intervention at scenes where people suffer unexpected trauma.

“Our all-volunteer unit is available night and day, every day of the year,” Cassidy said. “They are well-trained, dedicated and empathetic and provide reliable, compassionate volunteer response.”

“It’s a privilege to work with Sheriff Bailey,” Cassidy said. “This county is really blessed to have him as our sheriff.”

“Berrien County has wonderful people who want to give back to their community,” Bailey said. “Kudos to them because they can get called at 2 o’clock in the afternoon or 2 o’clock in the morning and go, no matter what their plans are. Great job by them.”

The award is a glass cookie jar, but Cassidy filled it with Snickers candy bars he passed around the commissioners table.