State Rep. Steve Frisbie has successfully secured $85,000 in the fiscal year 2027 state budget to support the Michigan Sheriff’s Victim Services Unit, providing critical support to victims and their families during some of their most difficult moments.

The Victim Services Unit works alongside law enforcement, fire and emergency services to provide critical support to individuals and families following traumatic events. Victim Services volunteers also assist law enforcement with death notifications and connect families with resources and additional support.

“These trained volunteers step into incredibly difficult situations and provide compassion and comfort when families need it most,” Frisbie said. “Securing this funding ensures victims and their families have necessary resources when tragedy strikes.”

Victim Services Unit volunteers complete 20 hours of training before working with victims and serve in teams of two. They follow the Sheriff’s Office code of ethics and confidentiality requirements while helping victims and their family members navigate the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event.

Frisbie, a retired paramedic, said his experience responding to emergencies reinforced the importance of having trained individuals available to support families beyond the immediate emergency.

“Throughout my career, I saw firsthand how much families need support after the emergency crews leave,” Frisbie said. “Our first responders do an incredible job addressing the immediate crisis, but victims and their families still must deal with what comes next. The Victim Services Unit makes sure they have someone there to guide them through that process.”

The $85,000 investment will help the Victim Services Unit continue its work providing assistance and resources to victims and families throughout Calhoun County. To secure the funding, Frisbie worked diligently through the new House Ethics and Transparency process, which ensures the state Legislature reviews lawmaker budget requests publicly to prevent wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars.