Northern Michigan University Det./Lt. Jon Kovar, left, receives the Officer of the Year Award from NMU Police Chief Mike Bath. (Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan University )

MARQUETTE — On Thursday, Northern Michigan University Police Det./Lt. Jon Kovar was awarded the 2025 Officer of the Year award by Marquette County Law Enforcement Administrators Association.

Kovar graduated from NMU in 2010 with a degree in criminal justice and in 2021 with a master’s in public administration.

“It’s definitely an honor to be selected for this award among so many other highly qualified law enforcement professionals in the county,” Kovar said. “The kind words from people are appreciated and quite humbling. I’ve been very blessed and I feel a responsibility to help those less fortunate than myself. That’s why I chose to work in law enforcement.”

Kovar is from Menominee and he began his career as an officer at the former Marquette General Hospital before moving to NMU.

“Jon has become a local law enforcement expert and is called upon by other departments to provide guidance on cases,” wrote NMU Police Chief Mike Bath, in nominating Kovar for the award. “We have seen an uptick in more serious cases in the area, which has required an enormous amount of search warrants, especially for electronic evidence, in order to investigate the crimes thoroughly. Jon works really well with the Women’s Center on criminal sexual assault and domestic violence cases, and has a good working relationship with the advocates.”

Kovar recently finished a one-year term as chair of the Marquette County Law Enforcement Administrators Association and serves on the TRIAD of Marquette County Committee, a committee which seeks to improve the safety and well-being of senior citizens in the area.

Kovar is also an instructor for the NMU Police Academy and serves on the NMU CARE team.

“The work that Jon does aligns nicely with a number of the university’s core values: community, connections, innovation and opportunity,” said Bath.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.