Columbus, Ind. — Former Columbus Police Chief Mike Richardson and Turning Point Domestic Violence Services have been recognized as the 2024 recipients of two community awards.
Richardson, former police chief of Columbus, was honored Friday by the Heritage Fund Board of Directors with the Donald W. & Catherine G. Jurgemeyer Community Hero Award, which recognizes and celebrates the contributions of everyday local heroes — those who have performed life-saving measures, come to the aid of another or contributed to the safety, security and resiliency of our community. Richardson was nominated for embodying the best in law enforcement during his nearly 30-year career in Columbus.
Colleagues said Richardson served as a role model for staff and community leaders and praised his integrity, preparedness, collaboration and engagement — reflecting the best of public service. Following his retirement, Richardson will continue to work with the city as its new director of Security and Risk. He received a $5,000 award.
Current Columbus Police Chief Steve Norman stated, “It was so great to see Mike Richardson receive the Donald W. & Catherine G. Jurgemeyer Community Hero Award. Mike has dedicated his life to the safety of the community and sacrificed so much over his career. I couldn’t think of a more deserving person for the title of hero.”
The renovation of Turning Point’s Emergency Residential Shelter also was honored Friday with the Donald W. & Catherine G. Jurgemeyer Community Leadership Project of the Year Award, which promotes and recognizes an organization or project in the community that exemplifies the Columbus community leadership values, including high aspirations, Welcoming Community, public-private partnerships, best value, collaboration, the value of good design, forward-thinking, lifelong learning and service to others, while addressing a pressing need or opportunity to improve the quality of life in Bartholomew County. Turning Point’s renovation completed last year increased shelter beds from 25 to 40 and furthered 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 project also included structural and safety improvements, a remodeled restroom and kitchen and additional living spaces. The organization received a $10,000 award to further its charitable mission.
Receiving an honorable mention for community leadership was Students’ Fund of Hope established to support Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp.’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 organization was honored with a $5,000 award.
The two annual awards were established at Heritage Fund by the estate of longtime Columbus residents and philanthropists Donald and Catherine Jurgemeyer to honor noteworthy heroes and projects in the community. Donald Jurgemeyer was senior vice president of the trust department of Irwin Union Bank for 12 years and practiced law in his Columbus firm for 29 years. He served as legal counsel for the community foundation in its early years. Catherine Jurgemeyer served as president of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation and chaired the American Bar Auxiliary and the Indiana Lawyers
Auxiliary.
“We are incredibly grateful that the Jurgemeyers chose to continue their legacy of kindness, generosity and service by establishing these awards through their estate,” said Kristin Munn, vice president of Operations and Development. “Thanks to their thoughtfulness we are able to recognize contributions that make our community a better place.”
