BERRIEN SPRINGS — A Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputy from Buchanan has been recognized for her community involvement.

The Berrien Regional Education Service Agency presented Deputy Sheriff Kelly Laesch with the 2019 Partnership award, which acknowledged prestigious achievement for her longstanding commitment to fostering relationships that encourage student development, growth and success.

Laesch was nominated by Joe Rommel and Kevin Clark, both Berrien RESA employees. Rommel and Clark nominated Laesch due to her county implementation of the “Handle with Care” program, a national program that promotes a partnership between law enforcement and area school staff to better ensure children exposed to traumatic events in their home or community receive appropriate interventions. According to the sheriff’s department, the ultimate goal of the program is to help children be safe and achieve success in school despite any traumatic circumstances they may encounter.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Berrien RESA for their support of community partnerships,” said Sheriff L. Paul Bailey. “Deputy Laesch is very supportive of the public schools throughout the county. Her work promotes safe and secure schools, as well as being an advocate for the social, emotional well-being of students and staffs.”