St. Joseph County Victim Services Unit marks 25 years of service

The St. Joseph County Victim Services Unit is celebrating 25 years of service, marking a quarter-century of providing compassionate support to victims of trauma and tragedy.

A small celebration was held Tuesday during a monthly board meeting at the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office training center. The gathering honored the unit’s longevity and its founder, Maxine Kennedy, who has coordinated the program since its inception.

Kennedy, who co-founded the county’s unit in 2000 with then-Sheriff Matt Lori, was recognized for her enduring leadership and service. She remains the only original member still active in the program.

“She was kind of commissioned by Sheriff Lori to get it going,” said Board President Tammy Chupp. “She and several others went to training in May of 2000 and got everything they needed. Their first rollout was actually September 12, 2000. It’s really cool that our unit has been going 25 years — and tonight, we’re celebrating that.”

While the anniversary was a milestone for the organization, Chupp emphasized that the real reason for the celebration was to honor Kennedy.

“I’ve only been doing this five years, and there’s definitely been times that I thought, ‘I do not need this,’” Chupp said. “She’s been doing this 25 years and organizing it, and that is a long time. From the time (it) started, Maxine has been there. She’s the only one who’s been there from the beginning. And I just think that’s really incredible.”

St. Joseph County Sheriff Chad Spence praised the professionalism and compassion of the unit, noting that first responders often rely on their support.

“You guys (operate) with professionalism, compassion, and genuine care,” Spence said. “Ambulance, fire, EMS — they don’t always tell you that they appreciate it, but they do. And I do.”

Kennedy, reflecting on the unit’s history, said she’s grateful the program has endured.

“I’m happy that it’s gone this long and that we’ve stayed together,” she said. “I’m on the state board too, and I see many counties start, and then it falls apart. You realize what it means to have someone there to help you during a loss.”

Kennedy said she plans to continue for a few more years, as long as she’s able.

“They’ll just keep growing and being better and better,” she said. “This group has so much compassion. We do a lot of listening to people — let them talk about the person who passed.”

The evening also included a message from Denis Bingaman, who praised the unit for its dedication and the impact it has had on the sheriff’s department and the broader community.

“Your team has dedicated countless hours to serving the citizens of the county with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment,” Bingaman wrote. “Your legacy of service and compassion is one to be celebrated and deeply respected.”

Najifa Farhat is a Staff Reporter with Watershed Voice.