The Gerstacker Award recognizes the MSP trooper or sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and a concern for giving back to their community. The late Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker, former chairman of Dow Chemical Company, created the award in 1961.

“Gochanour was chosen for this honor because she continuously goes beyond the call of duty both on the job and in her community,” Munoz stated. “Her work ethic and lifestyle exhibit a desire to enhance the community she serves while representing the Michigan State Police.”

Since 2003, Gochanour has actively pursued violators of Michigan ’s Sex Offenders Registration Act. There are approximately 195 registered sex offenders in the Jonesville Post’s coverage area and due to her continued efforts, only one is unaccounted for.

Over the years, Gochanour has coordinated numerous fugitive sweeps, arresting wanted sex offenders, parolees and fugitives in an effort to enhance public safety. She has been recognized by the Hillsdale County Prosecutor and the Michigan Department of Human Services for her exemplary detective work.

Gochanour’s dedication continues when she is off-duty. She has volunteered as the Toys for Tots campaign coordinator for Hillsdale County for the last six years, helping to distribute 1,722 new toys to 532 children last year. She is also an active member of 4H, where she assists youth with craft projects and the showing of animals at the county fair, and volunteers at the 4H concession stand that benefits the 4H scholarship fund.

For the past six years, Gochanour has financially sponsored a Haitian child and in Nov. 2008, she began sponsoring a second child. In July 2008, she participated in a 10-day mission trip to Haiti where she assisted with a six-day eye clinic that provided eye care to almost 400 Haitians. While there, she also assisted in various maintenance projects.

Gochanour enlisted with the department in 1987, and graduated as a member of the 102 nd Trooper Recruit School . After graduation, she was assigned to the Coldwater Post and in 2000, she was promoted to sergeant at the Jonesville Post. In 2003, she became the post’s detective sergeant.

Gochanour, a Byron Center native, is a graduate of Ferris State University where she received a bachelor’s degree. She resides in Coldwater with her husband, Jim, and their two children, Chelsey and Caleb.