– Photos by John Meiu
A ceremony was held recently at the Macomb County Circuit Courthouse for graduates of the county’s Veterans’ Treatment Court (VTC). The court began operations five years ago, focused on helping veterans of the armed forces who are charged with crimes obtain treatment or other services to address underlying problems.
PHOTO #1: Among those on hand for the ceremony were (left to right): Tony Silver, VTC mentor; Terry Theuninck, graduate/mentor; John Kujat, mentor; John Walus, president of the Friends of Macomb County VTC; Leo Lalonde, mentor; 41B District Court Judge Carrie Fuca; Eric Jackson, mentor; Larry Rocca, Macomb County treasurer; Bob Smith, chairman of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners; Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Mark Switalski; Carl Lopez, VTC mentor coordinator; and Rex Burgess and Paul Stempen, VTC mentors.
PHOTO #2: Along with the judges and mentors who work with the veterans, there are many members of the treatment court staff who focus on helping the vets successfully complete the program. Members of the court team on hand for the graduation ceremony were (left to right): Barbara Reyes, Veterans Justice Outreach, VA Detroit; Lisa Ellis, Macomb County Circuit Court services director; Mark Sylvester, site manager TAP (Testing and Prevention Center); William Bailey, probation agent; Lori Menzie, VTC coordinator; Jon Biernat, VTC defense counsel-circuit court; 41B District Court Judge Carrie Fuca; Circuit Court Judge Mark Switalski; Sherri Detzler and Ryan Zemke, both VTC defense counsels 41B; and Kara Hartman, VTC coordinator 41B.
