KALKASKA, MI -- Did you know between 2009 and 2010, the only crime that increased in the State of Michigan was non-aggravated assault to vulnerable adults?

We found a man who has a mission to help keep elders and vulnerable adults safe for April’s “Your Town Hero.”

"Steve does his job, he does it well, but he does it with a lot of heart," said Gay Rowell, the Kalkaska County Director of the Commission on Aging.

Steve Talarico might not know it and he might be too humble to accept it.

"We’re very lucky to have him in our community," said Carole Doherty-Merritt, the associate director of North Country Community Mental Health’s clinical services.

But whether he likes it or not, he has a lot of fans, and people appreciate the path he is leading.  Talarico is an adult service worker with the Kalkaska Department of Human Services.  He's leading the charge on a new task force with a goal of keeping vulnerable adults safe.

"We're looking at efficiencies, better understanding, and communication amongst the agencies," said Talarico.

He's pulled together multiple community agencies to create an adult protective service team.  The hope is to reduce the Physical Abuse, Physical Neglect, Financial Exploitation, and Emotional Abuse and Emotional Neglect vulnerable adults experience.  He says using resources, strategizing, and collaborating with other agencies will help provide the best and most appropriate interventions for the vulnerable adults and is the way of the future.

"We in Kalkaska are somewhat on the cutting edge of getting those teams going so that does somewhat make me feel proud," said Talarico.

"Anybody that's good at anything cares a lot, and Steve cares a lot about the vulnerable adults in all the communities," said Trooper Rich Hall of the Michigan State Police, who is associated with the new task force.

Talarico says this program is just starting and he wants more community agencies to jump on board.  And it's his determination and will to make Kalkaska County and Northern Michigan not just a safer place, but better place, for seniors and vulnerable adults that makes him April's "Your Town Hero."

The Kalkaska County Sheriff, Michigan State Police, the Commission on Aging, North Country Community Mental Health, and other agencies are working with this new task force.