Crisis Intervention Team Class 8 Includes 34 Graduates

Release Date:  March, 2009

New Horizons of the Treasure Coast is proud to announce that 34 members of Treasure Coast law enforcement successfully completed an intensive course in Crisis Intervention Training.  Friends and family members were on hand to honor the graduates during the March 20th ceremony at the Law Enforcement Academy located at Indian River State College.

This was the eighth class to complete the 40 hour training program.  The primary goal of CIT is to have specially trained law enforcement officers to respond to individuals with a mental health crisis while ensuring safety for all.  Captain Don Kryak of the Port St. Lucie Police Department served as Master of Ceremonies.  He congratulated the officers on completing the intensive course and emphasized that the training will help the officers in all aspects of their job.  Instead of using force, officers learn to recognize signs of a mental health crisis and talk people through difficult situations.

Guest speakers at the graduation ceremony were Dr. George Woodley from Department of Children and Families and Judge Cynthia Cox.

Law enforcement agencies from six Treasure Coast jurisdictions participated in the recent training and graduation.

Graduates from Indian River County Sheriff’s Office included Corporal David Bailey, Deputies Rebecca Hurley, Jerry Montanaro, Catheryne Wingate, and Daniel Rosario, Lieutenant Don Smith, Detective Rob Foress, and Dispatchers Patrice Thibedeau and Renee Raia.

Vero Beach Police Department graduates include Detectives Sean Toole and James Kelly, and Officers Jason Jones and Bradley Spencer.

St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office was well represented by Deputies Clifford Lamm, Pete Rich, Adam Bailey, Ronald Seraphin, Al Reffsin, Curtis Webb, M. Scott Holshouser, Randy Tucker, Matthew Reynolds and George Dean.

Martin County Sheriff’s Office graduates were Deputies Renee Bilodeau and Eric Knott.

Officers Kenneth Portacio, Ross Moon and Michael Bresch of the Treasure Coast Forensic Treatment Center also completed the training.

For additional information on the Crisis Intervention Team and future classes contact Susan Barnard at New Horizons 772-468-5600.