FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL BRINGS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS TRAINING TO MICHIGAN LEGISLATORS AND GAMING INDUSTRY
(Battle Creek, MI) Jan. 27, 2020 – FireKeepers Casino Hotel is leading an initiative to raise Human Trafficking awareness both in Michigan and on a national level. On Jan. 8, Human Trafficking Awareness Day, FireKeepers Vice President of Security and Surveillance George Jenkot, along with FireKeepers Security Training and Special Events Manager Joe Donato presented Michigan legislators with their training and methods on Human Trafficking awareness. The presentation was part of a full day of events designed bring attention to the horrors of Human Trafficking.
Jenkot and his team have been leading the gaming industry in training to identify and raise awareness of Human Trafficking, by continually training their Team Members, sharing their training program at national conferences with executives of casinos and resorts of all sizes and destinations. The training highlights ways to identify potential Human Trafficking situations, victims, and offenders, and offers best practices to escalate concerns.
State Rep. Mary Whiteford, chair of the House Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Service, was one of the hosts for the event. “I am thankful to have this opportunity to present real human trafficking stories to the Michigan legislature,” Whiteford said. “While Michigan has made significant advances in fighting human trafficking since 2011, there is still more work to be done. The exploitation of vulnerable children, women and men is unconscionable, and a crime that must be stopped.”
“Spreading awareness is the best weapon against trafficking, and arming those within our reach with the knowledge to identify and raise concerns is the key to preventing future victimization,” stated Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Council Chairperson, Jamie Stuck. “NHBP is proud to be part of the efforts to raise awareness to the important topic of Human Trafficking.”
Jenkot, has been managing Security and Surveillance Departments for over 26 years in both Native American and publicly-owned casinos. His areas of responsibility also include Risk Management, Workers Compensation, Transportation, and Entertainment. Jenkot spent 6 years as an active board member and advocate for S.A.F.E. Place, a non-profit organization in Battle Creek, MI dedicated to providing shelter and services to domestic violence victims, survivors and their families. He has also been instrumental working with the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, bringing awareness and training to the Casino community. Jenkot maintains a board certification in security as a Certified Protection Professional with the American Society for Industrial Security.
Donato started his career in emergency services over 19 years ago and is currently Training Officer, Fire Inspector and Assistant Chief of Athens Township Fire Department. His responsibilities at FireKeepers include; managing security personnel at all special events, provide training for all casino staff in the areas of human-trafficking, active shooter, fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures. Donato is a member of the Crossroads Regional Chapter of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force and the American Society for Industrial Security.
About FireKeepers Casino Hotel
FireKeepers Casino Hotel, located just off Interstate 94 at Exit 104 in Battle Creek, MI, has been named Best Casino by audiences in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, plus earned multiple awards in the Casino Player Magazine Best of Gaming 2019 Native Midwest category, including Best Casino. FireKeepers was recognized as 2019 Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association and was also selected as one of the Best Casinos to Work For by Casino Player Magazine. FireKeepers' signature restaurant, Nibi, is a multiple recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The property features 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, a live poker room, and bingo room. FireKeepers offers a AAA-rated Four Diamond resort-style hotel with 243 rooms, a functional multi-purpose event center, six distinctive dining destinations, and multiple lounges. Driven by high demand, construction on a second hotel tower is underway and expected to be complete in late 2020. FireKeepers is the title sponsor of the FireKeepers Casino 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, and a host of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship a Symetra Tour-Road to the LPGA golf event.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
