Captain Harold Love, Michigan State Police (Ret.), Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Harold J. Love & Associates

Harold Love served 25 years with the Michigan State Police (MSP), before retiring as a captain in 2013. During his tenure as captain, he served as commander of the 2nd District, comprised of over 350 personnel working at multiple work sites and multi-jurisdictional special enforcement teams covering 6 counties in Southeast Michigan. Throughout his career, Love served in different ranks and positions at worksites throughout southern lower Michigan, including incident commander and public information officer for dozens of critical incidents, planned events, and high-profile investigations, developing a reputation as a trusted leader among public safety and private sector partners.

Love learned early in his career the necessity and benefit of culturally competent behavioral health services after recovering from the effects of numerous critical incidents he experienced as a trooper. After rising through the ranks, he realized how under serviced members of the public safety profession are in the area of behavioral health services, which prompted him to earn a graduate degree in mental health counseling.

Love is a national board certified fully licensed professional counselor (LPC). He currently works in his private practice as a behavioral health clinician providing services to public safety professionals. He recently had an article entitled Resilience published in the November 2020 issue of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Magazine.

Love earned a Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Studies from Siena Heights University. He serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion and is an active member of the Michigan and International Associations of Chiefs of Police. He has a passion for public service and a commitment to the education, coaching, and counseling of public safety professionals to enhance their personal development, longevity, and overall wellness.

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    “Election officials are the heroes of our democracy, working harder than almost anyone I know to ensure that every one of us can exercise our fundamental right to vote. The intimidation and threats against these dedicated officials and their families must stop."

    Kathy Boockvar
    Vice President of Election Operations and Support, Center for Internet Security
    Kathy Boockvar
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    “Democracy can only survive and thrive if we respect and protect its values and principles. Elected officials must respect those they serve, freely act within their elected authority and act on behalf of a nation that ensures their safety so they may make decisions without fear or intimidation. That is a true democracy."

    Sheriff Paul Penzone
    Maricopa County, Arizona
    Sheriff Paul Penzone
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    “Access to the ballot should not be stymied in any manner, nor should we ever lose valuable election officials because they are worn down from harassment, fear, threats and undue job hardships created to alter public faith in the electoral process. "

    Kathy Holland
    Director of Elections, Alamance County North Carolina (Ret.)
    Kathy Holland
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    “I joined the committee because I took an oath, along with my law enforcement colleagues, to protect and serve all persons, which is in alignment with my personal values and morals. "

    Captain Harold Love
    Michigan State Police (Ret.), Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Harold J. Love & Associates
    Captain Harold Love
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    “The 2020 election cycle brought many challenges for election officials, but the most shocking for me were the death threats, verbal assaults, intimidation, and scare tactics. I am one of the election officials that had my life and the lives of my family members threatened, and the threats have not ceased."

    Tina Barton
    Senior Elections Expert, The Elections Group
    Tina Barton
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    “My dad was a city clerk. Elections were a central and cherished part of his job. I joined this committee to ensure that today’s election officials can keep America’s elections running safely and securely, just like he did."

    Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian
    Middlesex County, Massachusetts
    Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian
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    “Election officials are unsung heroes of American democracy—they make sure our system operates as intended. Threats to these public servants are an attack on democracy itself. Law enforcement and election officials working together can help chart a safer and more secure path forward for future elections."

    Orion Danjuma
    Counsel, Protect Democracy
    Orion Danjuma
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    “Safe, secure, transparent elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. CSSE members recognize the great responsibility associated with election administration and embrace public accountability to ensure that all eligible voters can freely exercise their right to vote and have their ballots counted. We make it a point to welcome and encourage those who want to peacefully observe this fundamental democratic process."

    Neal Kelley
    Registrar of Voters (Ret.) Orange County, California
    Neal Kelley
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    “As an election official who experienced the verbal threats and intimidation directed at me and my staff I feel I must be a voice on this committee to work with law enforcement to address this issue."

    Joseph Gloria
    Registrar of Voters, Clark County, Nevada
    Joseph Gloria
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    “Election workers are the guardians of our democracy, and attacks on them for doing their jobs are unacceptable. I’m proud to stand with and in support of this group of law enforcement and election officials, who are working on practical solutions to keep our elections safe and secure."

    Larry Norden
    Senior Director, Elections & Government, Brennan Center for Justice
    Larry Norden
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    “I have joined this committee because I believe in the mission and have full confidence that we will develop practices that are results driven and further strengthen the pipeline between law enforcement and election officials."

    Derek Bowens
    Director of Elections, Durham County, North Carolina
    Derek Bowens