Treasure Coast Officers Complete Crisis Intervention Training

Press Release March 3, 2008

New Horizons of the Treasure Coast is proud to announce that 33 law enforcement officers completed an intensive course in Crisis Intervention Training.  Friends and family members were on hand to honor the officers during the February graduation ceremony in the chapel of the St. Lucie County Jail.

This was the fourth class to complete the 40 hour training program that teaches officers how to respond to individuals in a mental health crisis.   During the training, officers learn to recognize signs of a mental health crisis and talk people through difficult situations, instead of using force.

Major Patrick Tighe from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.  He congratulated the officers on completing the program and stressed that the training will help the officers in all phases of their job. Guest Speakers were Dr. George Woodley from Department of Children and Families and Judge Cynthia Cox.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of New Horizons, local law enforcement agencies, the school system and advocacy groups, the Treasure Coast now has 118 officers who have been trained to handle mental health emergencies.  

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

Graduates from the Fort Pierce Police Department included Officers Rashun Barr, Melissa Martin, Thomas McDermot and James Minton.

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office graduates included Deputies Mark Birtel, Makaro Henry, David Ragley, James Rice, Nora Simons and Terri Sweeting.

Martin County Sheriff’s Office graduates included Deputy Theresa Coddington, Perry Ewell and Robert Ray.

Port St. Lucie Police Department was well represented by Officers Keith Bonham, Robert Brando, Dave Caniello, Ben Caudill and Michael Connor.  Other graduates included Officers Jennifer Kinne, Alan Ludmerer, Joshua Mahler, Robert O’Hara, and Courtney Robison.

Graduates from the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office included Deputies Mark Colangelo, Consuela Curtis, Fred Fernandez, Judy Runestad and Angel Torres.

The Vero Beach Police Department was represented by Corporal Chip Brock and Corporal Oscar Dominguez.

Captain George Harrs and Officers Alejandro Bermudez and Shawn Stewart 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.