Local Officers Complete Crisis Training

Press Release November 28, 2007

New Horizons of the Treasure Coast is proud to announce that 30 law enforcement officers successfully completed an intensive course in Crisis Intervention Training.  Friends and family members were on hand to honor the officers during the October graduation ceremony at Indian River Community College Kight Center in Fort Pierce.

This was the third class to complete the 40 hour training program that teaches officers how to respond to individuals in a mental health crisis.  Chief Deputy Garry Wilson from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department was the keynote speaker for the event. He congratulated the officers on completing the intensive course and emphasized that the training will help the officers in all aspects of their job and their everyday lives.

 Instead of using force, officers learn to recognize signs of a mental health crisis and talk people through difficult situations.  “Instead of jail, individuals can receive treatment in a mental health facility, which is much more effective,” said Wilson.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of New Horizons, local law enforcement agencies, the school system and advocacy groups, the Treasure Coast now has 85 officers who have been trained to handle mental health emergencies.  “I think that everyone in law enforcement should have this training,” said Wilson.

Law enforcement agencies from four jurisdictions participated in the recent training and graduation.

Graduates from the Fort Pierce Police Department included Officers Jim Babcock, Demetrius Owens and Heather Scarborough.   Graduates from the Port St. Lucie Police Department included  Officers Michael Allen, Kevin Brady, Jennifer Cuty, Jamie  Fletcher, Rafael Gonzales, Ryan Lodwick, Tim Sanders and Eric Wilson.

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office graduates included Deputy Jeff Brauer, Deputy Andrew Ceckanowicz, Deputy Christopher Cummings, and Sergeant John Curley.  Other graduates were Dispatcher Lu Owens, Sergeant Mike Pierce, Sergeant Rick Vidiri and Dispatcher Shelley Wright.

St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office was well represented by Master Deputy David Smith, and Sergeant Adam Goodner and Sergeant Jim Mullins.  Deputy Santi Briglia, Walter Crawford, Leroy Davis, Troy Hetzer, Jason Lyda, Gary Morales, Brian Rhodes and Mark Swanson also completed the training.

Willie Haywood, Jason Hodges and Joseph Thornton of the Treasure Coast Forensic Treatment Center also completed the training.

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