Veteran of Foreign
Wars Presents Award during Annual
Community Service Awards Ceremony
Detective
Michelle Savage, a Cary chapter member
was recognized by Post 7383 of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars as Law
Enforcement Officer of the Year for her
contributions to the community as a
domestic violence investigator. The
award was presented by the VFW during
the annual community service awards
ceremony on December 18, 2007. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.3 million members in approximately 8,400 posts worldwide. Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense
Detective Savage was nominated for the award by fellow officer and Cary chapter member, Major Tony Godwin. In his nomination, he demonstrated the many steps that are taken by Savage in her follow-up to domestic cases. This includes reading through domestic reports and determining which cases require further investigation. At a minimum, contact is made with the victim to provide additional information and resources that are available. In many instances, cases are reassigned to her and she conducts further investigation. This involves more in-depth interviews with the victims and suspects, review of physical evidence and photographs, reassessment of injuries, and consultation with other agencies such at the District Attorney’s Office, Child Protective Services, or victim advocacy groups. According to Godwin, “Detective Savage frequently deals with people who are very emotional. Whether it is a victim of domestic violence or rape, a suspect in one of these crimes, or the parent of a juvenile offender, she is able to relate to them in a professional, respectful manner.” Godwin added, “This in turn tends to calm the person and the situation and leads to a much more productive interaction and interview.” Godwin highlighted several notable cases where Savage’s investigation has resulted in additional and more serious charges being brought against the suspect. These have led to longer active sentences, probation extensions, court ordered education and therapy programs, along with children being removed from damaging environments. His nomination also pointed to Savage’s commitment in educating others about domestic violence. This included conducting in-service training sessions for officers about new laws and strategies for dealing with domestic violence along with speaking to various citizen groups about the issue.
Godwin offered a final assessment of Savage’s passion for her work in concluding his nomination, “Detective Savage carries the torch for domestic violence in our community. Through her work she has sent a strong message to those involved that domestic violence is taken very seriously in Cary and will not be tolerated.”
Savage has been employed with the Cary Police Department since 1999. She previously worked as an officer for the Duke University Police Department. During her tenure with the Cary Police Department she has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, and as a member of the honor guard. She currently is assigned to the Family Services Team as a detective. Savage and her husband Greg, who is a Sergeant with the department, reside in Cary.