COLUMBUS, Ind. – On Friday, the Heritage Fund Board of Directors recognized a former Columbus police chief and Turning Point Domestic Violence Services as the 2024 recipients of two community awards.
Mike Richardson, former Columbus police chief, was honored with the Donald W. and Catherine G. Jurgemeyer Community Hero Award. It celebrates the contributions of everyday local heroes — those who have performed life-saving measures, aided others, or contributed to the community’s safety, security, and resiliency.
Richardson was nominated for embodying the best in law enforcement during his 30-year career. Following his retirement, he continues to work with the city as its director of Security and Risk. He received a $5,000 gift.
The renovation of Turning Point’s Emergency Residential Shelter received the Jurgemeyer Community Leadership Project of the Year Award. It promotes an organization or community project that exemplifies the Columbus community leadership values while addressing a pressing need to improve the quality of life in Bartholomew County.
Turning Point’s renovation, completed last year, increased shelter beds from 25 to 40. It advanced its capacity to provide not only safe accommodations for those seeking refuge from abusive situations but also access to vital resources and support services. The organization received a $10,000 award to further its charitable mission.
Receiving an honorable mention for community leadership was the Students’ Fund of Hope established to support Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation’s students in need. From its beginning as a root beer stand to help defray student lunch debts, the community organization has grown to provide families with additional assistance including food, housing, clothing, and other school expenses. The nonprofit was honored with a $5,000 gift.
Richardson-Jurgemeyer Award-Courtesy-Heritage Fund
