Four Rivers CIT

Amazing presentation!

We’re saluting Jeffrey Huff, a Missouri State Highway Patrol corporal, who pulled over a youth for driving 113 MPH. The 16-year-old was experiencing depression ...and suicidal. The boy later told his parents Cpl. Huff saved his life. Cpl. Huff shared his personal story of loss with the youth. Cpl. Huff’s own brother had died by suicide. Cpl. Huff explained how the loss affected his entire family. He spoke about the benefit of talking with others & medical professionals. Late at night on the side of an interstate, Cpl. Jeffrey Huff epitomized the Patrol’s core value of compassion. He took the time to listen to a teenager in crisis and intervened in a very personal way, sharing his own story of loss, and his actions helped a boy decide he wanted to live. See more

https://youtu.be/-50KGDUa0sM

ATTENTION FIRST RESPONDERS: REGISTRATION FOR MO-PCIS IS NOW OPEN!!! - SPACE IS LIMITED http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov//PatrolDivisions/HRD/PCIS/

A Holiday Message from Detective Jason Klaus, Missouri Crisis Intervention Team (MO CIT) Council......

This is a sweet idea.

After 37 years working in and around law enforcement, I have seen and experienced the dark side of what cumulative stress and severe and complex trauma can do t...o an individual in our profession. The officer I showed the world for most of my career was the brave, strong, and hard charging officer, husband, and father, everyone expected me to be. However, at the risk of sounding cliché, not all wounds are visible. Inside my mind was severe depression, anxiety, severe trauma, and obsessive thoughts and numerous near attempts of suicide, which resulted in 9 psychiatric hospitalizations over the last 24 years: six of which while serving as a police sergeant. Inside my book, 'Overcoming The Darkness: Shining Light on Mental Illness, Trauma, and Suicide in Law Enforcement,' which is now officially available on Amazon, I share my story, as well as address the issues of police culture, mental health stigmas, cumulative stress, complex trauma, addiction, suicide intervention, law enforcement family issues, and 8 principles for hope and recovery; which allowed me to become the Commanding Officer of the first Crisis Intervention Team in NYS. For a link to the book, check out our website at www.overcomingthedarkness.com for further info., or go to https://www.amazon.com/s... If you are in law enforcement, or love someone who is, or simply would like to learn more about mental illness, trauma, and suicide, and especially the value of knowing that recovery is possible, please order yours today.

The IACP would like to announce the launch of the National Consortium on Preventing LE Suicide Toolkit. The toolkit contains groundbreaking resources developed ...to help advance the field’s suicide prevention efforts. In this toolkit you will find the following resources: Comprehensive Framework for Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide Messaging about Suicide Prevention in Law Enforcement Peer Support as a Powerful Tool in Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention After a Suicide in Blue: A Guide for Law Enforcement Agencies To access these resources, visit https://www.theiacp.org//the-national-consortium-on-preven See more

Congrats Officer Schmitt! Thank you for all your hard work!

Www.missouricit.org has a wonderful first responder provider network.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 Today's Prayer from William C. Cox - Assistant Director of Pastoral Care, Freeman Health Systems Have a Happy National Coffee With a Cop Day!... PRAYER: O God, we pray in supplication for cops who help keep our streets safe and protect us from harm. Keep them safe as they enter arenas that are sometimes dangerous and violent. Give wisdom, understanding and cool heads as they deal with changing circumstances and unpredictable situations. Let us never fail to see cops as human beings who deal with personal and family issues like us. We pray they will stay healthy in body, mind and spirit so they can bring their best selves to work. Encourage them as they wear their title of ‘peace’ officer. We commend them unto St. Michael, heaven’s glorious commissioner of police, and to you. Amen. See more

Good morning. Today is National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day. Look out for each other, start the discussion and offer to listen. #BlueHELP #WatchYour12 #SuicideAwareness #IWillListen

Perspective. #SmashTheStigma Talk to your partners. Ask for help. We are all in this together.

#BlueHELP #WatchYour12 #SuicidePrevention #EndOfficerSuicide #smashthestigma

Thank you to our Missouri law enforcement officers. We appreciate you keeping our communities safe.

MO CIT Virtual Conference Presents:: Karen Solomon, Blue H.E.L.P | "Law Enforcement Suicide: Stigma, Statistics and Solutions" #mocit #mocitcon20 #mocitcon20virtual

Registration Link: https://cvent.me/7kqgyl

We are very pleased to announce our 2020 MO CIT Conference has gone virtual! Announcing our opening keynote presenter: Dara Rampersad, Ph.D., LPC,NCC, First R...esponder & Forensic Psychologist | BluePaz, LLC First Responder Services | "First Responder Traumatic Stress, Grief, and Suicide Prevention: How Taking Care of the CIT Officer Means Taking Care of the Community," #mocit #mocitcon20 #mocitcon20virtual Registration Keynote | First Responder Traumatic Stress, Grief, and Suicide Prevention: How Taking Care of The CIT Officer Means Taking Care of The Community, Dara Rampersad, Ph.D., LPC,NCC, First Responder & Forensic Psychologist | BluePaz, LLC First Responder Services May 26th @ 1 pm REGISTRATION LINK: https://cvent.me/7kqgyl

THANK YOU to all the men and women that serve our country. #ArmedForcesDay

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT Council recognizes Chief Deputy John Randall. Chief Deputy Randall has been in law enforcement for over 25 years, over 19 years employed at the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, where he is currently the chief deputy. He retired from the Missouri National Guard as a Military Police Office in 2014 with 24 years of service. Chief Deputy Randall is a Certified Crime Scene Investigator, also certified in Advanced Crime Scene Investigations.

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT council recognizes Lieutenant Eric Terry. Lieutenant Terry has bene an officer for a little over 20 years. Lieutenant Terry has been the jail administrator for Vernon County Sheriff’s Office for the past five years. Lieutenant Terry’s favorite part of the job now would be teaching and watching young officers develop in their career. Lieutenant Terry has been involved at various levels with CIT since he began in law enforcement, however, has really dove in since working at the jail and dealing with a much different level of crisis and mental health. Lieutenant Terry has been involved at the state level to help develop curriculum for correctional facilities.

In honor of National Police Week, the Four Rivers CIT Council is recognizing Detective Mikayla Cox. Detective Cox has served with the Nevada Police Department since her graduation from the police academy in 2018. Detective Cox is currently assigned to the investigation division's domestic violence advocacy program. Detective Cox said that her favorite part of the job is working with people, whether it be in a problem-solving capacity, assisting crime victims, or being able to positively interact with the community.

FREE RIDES RETURN! We are happy to announce that the City of Nevada has received CARES Act Funding for our transportation program. Beginning today, May 15 - July 17 public transportation within the city will be free.

Fellow CMHL, Lisa Flamion, interviews Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. He is a pioneer in officer wellness.

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have die...d, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. We honor all who have died and become emotionally and physically disabled in the line of duty. May their families find peace and comfort in the memory of their love. #policeweek2020 #Respect #lawenforcement #Tribute

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT Council recognizes Sheriff Jason Mosher. Sheriff Mosher has been serving as Sheriff in Vernon County since 2013 and resides just outside of Nevada with his wife April and their 7 children. Jason started his law enforcement career at the MUUS Police Department in Joplin MO before working as a Patrol Sergeant and then Police Chief in Jasper MO. Sheriff Mosher is certified in multiple areas as a law enforcement instructor, holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Executive Leadership School. In 2017, Sheriff Mosher created and implemented the Vernon County Jail Training Academy that provides a two-week training certification for Detention Officers in the jail.

In honor of National Police Week, the Four Rivers CIT Council is recognizing Sergeant Clinton Berry. Sergeant Berry has been in law enforcement since 2007 and has served with the Nevada Police Department for 9 years. Sergeant Berry said that he wanted to be a police officer ever since he was young, that he had always looked up to police officers as a child and desired to be involved in law enforcement. Sergeant Berry said his favorite part of the job is intervening in serious crimes and protecting citizens from the criminal element.

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT Council recognizes Deputy Lisa Tiber. Deputy Tiber, born and raised in Ohio, came to Missouri in 2010. Deputy Tiber graduated from the Missouri Southern State University Police Academy in the spring of 2017. Deputy Tiber has been in law enforcement and with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office for 3 years. Deputy Tiber became CIT certified in the fall of 2018 and she became a Narcan Instructor in December of 2019. Deputy Tiber enjoys interacting with the community by volunteering in the Cottey College Career Fair, Bushwacker Days and AntiVan, an anti-vandalism event at Nevada High School. Deputy Tiber starts each shift positively to help the citizens to the best of her ability.

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT recognizes Sergeant Nick Norval. Sergeant Norval has served all six years of his law enforcement career with Vernon County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently the Detective Sergeant of the Investigations Division and is also assigned to the CNET Drug Task Force. Sergeant Norval went into law enforcement because of the positive impact law enforcement can have on people and the communities they serve. His favorite part of the job is conducting narcotics investigations and seeing the outcome of getting dangerous drugs off the streets. Sergeant Norval also enjoys investigating thefts and locating stolen property to return back to the owner.

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT council recognizes Deputy Zesar R. Huerta. Deputy Huerta graduated from Missouri Southern State University Police Academy. He first gained experience at a Correctional Facility in Cushing, Oklahoma. He joined Vernon County Sheriff’s Office in 2017. Deputy Huerta is the D.A.R.E. Officer for Vernon County. Deputy Huerta knew soon after high school that he wanted to go into law enforcement. His motivation was connecting with yout...h and do what he could to help all kids grow up safe in a police friendly environment. His own School Resource Officer guided him when he was troubled and helped him get on a course for success. Deputy Huerta’s favorite part of the job is having the ability to do what he enjoys every day, while following his goals. Along with the satisfaction and self-reward, he believes that one can truly help another though tough times. Deputy Huerta said that, It is a lot of work and sacrifice, but it is rewarding being in law enforcement". See more

In honor of National Police Week, the Four Rivers CIT Council is recognizing Officer Ashley Fast. Officer Fast has been in law enforcement for 4 years and has served with the Nevada Police Department since 2019. Officer Fast said she went into law enforcement because she wanted to do something positive for her community and to show her children that anything is possible through hard work. Officer Fast said that her favorite part of the job is getting to interact with the community. Officer Fast was born and raised in Nevada, so she enjoys seeing many familiar faces, while getting to meet new people as well.

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT council recognizes Deputy Justin Ehrsam. Deputy Ehrsam has been a peace officer for nine years, with experience as a detention officer before that. He is currently with Vernon County Sheriff’s Office for the past 2 and a half years. Deputy Ehrsam is the K9 Handler with the Sheriff’s Office. He also serves as the less lethal training instructor for the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Ehrsam is a Veteran, serving nine years with the Mi...ssouri National Guard, with two deployments to Afghanistan as well. When asked why he chose law enforcement, Deputy Ehrsam responded, I love being a Deputy and assisting people in need. I am proud to wake up every day and put the uniform on and serve the community. I really enjoy interaction with our youth and forming a bond with them. I became a cop because it seemed to be a very rewarding profession and the fact that law enforcement men and women are willing to risk it all, when no one else will.

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT Council recognizes Lieutenant Travis Cole. Lieutenant Cole has been in law enforcement for 13 years. He began his career in the patrol division at the Nevada Police Department. Lieutenant Cole moved to Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 7 years ago, where he currently servs as the Patrol Lieutenant. He is a recent recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award in Leadership. Lieutenant Cole is a member of the Four Rivers CIT Council, and serves on the executive council. When asked why he chose law enforcement, Lieutenant Cole replied, I went into Law Enforcement because of the influence of a dear friend of mine, retired Missouri Highway Patrol Lt. Mark Harwell. I love serving my community and look for any way that I can help make our community better.

In honor of National Police Week, Four Rivers CIT council is recognizing Sergeant Joshua Barker. Sgt. Barker has been with the Vernon County Sheriff's Office over 4 years. During his career, he has worked in different divisions including Detention, Patrol, and Investigations. Sgt. Barker is currently assigned as Patrol Sergeant. "It has always been my childhood dream to be a cop. My favorite part of my career is being able to inform victims of crimes that the suspects are in custody and they no longer need to live in fear", says Sgt. Barker.

In honor of National Police Week, the Four Rivers CIT Council is recognizing Officer Brittany Dawn. Officer Dawn has been in law enforcement for 7 years and has served with the Nevada Police Department since 2017. Officer Dawn served at the COPS Officer (Community Oriented Policing Services) prior to her deployment with the National Guard. Officer Dawn is also CIT certified and has taught classes for both Four Rivers CIT and Truman Area CIT. Officer Dawn said that she went in...to law enforcement because she felt it was her calling since she was young. Officer Dawn said she was drawn to being a police officer because she felt that she could make a difference. Officer Dawn's favorite part of the job is fostering positive relationships with the community through community events and personal interaction. Officer Dawn feels she makes a difference when investigating crimes that disrupt the peaceful living of all members of our community. See more

In honor of National Police Week, the Four Rivers CIT Council is recognizing Lieutenant Steve Bastow. Lieutenant Bastow has been in law enforcement for 21 years and has served 19 years with the Nevada Police Department. Lieutenant Bastow serves as the training officer for the Four Rivers CIT Council, which includes coordinating our local CIT training programs each year. Lieutenant Bastow also coordinates numerous police department programs and special events each year including the citizen police academy and volunteers in police service. Lieutenant Bastow is currently going through specialized training with the Missouri Office of Homeland Security Counter Terrorism Officer Program. Lieutenant Bastow said that he enjoys law enforcement for the variety of experiences that puts life into perspective.

In honor of National Police Week, the Four Rivers CIT Council is recognizing Sergeant Joshua Westerhold. Sergeant Westerhold has been in law enforcement for 10 years and has served nearly 9 of those years with the Nevada Police Department. Sergeant Westerhold is currently the Detective Sergeant in charge of the investigation division. Sergeant Westerhold said that he went into law enforcement because his grandfather was a City Marshall and he looked up to law enforcement officers as a child. Sergeant Westerhold said his favorite part of the job is solving crimes such as burglaries, thefts, narcotic investigations and crimes against children.

In honor of National Police Week, the Four Rivers CIT Council is recognizing Officer Kodie Schmitt. Officer Schmitt has been with the Nevada Police Department for 3 1/2 years. Officer Schmitt is currently assigned as the COPS Officer (Community Oriented Policing Services). Officer Schmitt assists the Community Mental Health Liaison on follow up calls to individuals in behavioral health crises. Officer Schmitt says that during his time as a law enforcement officer he has gained a lot of knowledge of the job and that his favorite part of his job is the positive interactions with the public during calls for service and special events. Officer Schmitt says he entered law enforcement wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. Officer Schmitt believes that the smallest show of kindness to someone in need can make a difference.

What is National Police Week? In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.... As we know, our officers go above and beyond the call of duty and deserve to be recognized during this time. This week we are going to highlight our officers that represent the Four Rivers CIT council. Don't forget to thank an officer!

Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and we wanted to take a minute and tell you all about how we get to partner and work with officers all across... the state of Missouri! Our team is actively involved with 17 MO Crisis Intervention Councils. For those who might not be familiar, the MO Intervention Team (CIT) Council is a collaboration of law enforcement and behavioral health community partners dedicated to helping individuals in crisis. The Council helps facilitate understanding, development, and implementation of CIT programs throughout Missouri, in order to promote and support more effective interactions among law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, individuals with behavioral health issues, their families and communities, and also to reduce stigma. If you want to get in touch with your local C.I.T. officer, you can call either the emergency, or non-emergency phone number and ask for a C.I.T. Officer! We know how hard our officers work and wanted to send them an extra special THANK YOU for all they do for us! We appreciate each one of you and if you see an officer today, make sure to let them know how much they are appreciated!

https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/nevada-cit/

5th Annual Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Conference in Columbia [March, 18, 2019, COLUMBIA, MO] The 5th Annual Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) conference was held today and continues tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the Holiday Inn Expo Center in Columbia, MO. More than 600 law enforcement officers, first responders and behavioral health professional are at the event this year! Specific agenda information can be found here. The purpose of CIT is to address the challenge...s that often arise when law enforcement officers encounter individuals with behavioral health conditions in crisis situations. This conference brings law enforcement and behavioral health professionals together to determine better ways of serving those with serious mental illness or substance use disorders who come in contact with the criminal justice system, said Det. Jason Klaus, CIT Council Coordinator. It results in safer communities and better outcomes for our citizens and our law enforcement officers. The CIT program trains law enforcement to guide individuals to appropriate mental health services and offer support, instead of sending them directly to the criminal justice system. The 40-hour training covers mental illness, crisis response, active listening, tactical communication/de-escalation, and mental health law. CIT officers learn basic assessment skills for handling situations and are provided with knowledge of local behavioral health services. CIT training serves as both a jail diversion as well as a means to mental health assistance. This annual conference is hosted by the Missouri Crisis Intervention Team (MO CIT) Council. CIT is most effective when everyone works together for the best outcome; law enforcement, behavioral health providers, community leaders and individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders and their families. For more information about Missouri CIT contact Det. Jason Klaus at 573-768-6179 or e-mail [email protected].

Congrats to Four Rivers CIT class of 2019!!!!

https://youtu.be/bjK8iEEguE8 Dear Officer, We see You. We support you. We are grateful to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gKtVoSgNNM&feature=youtu.be

Do you prefer texting to talking on the phone? You can text Hello to 741741 and you will be connected with a licensed professional ready to hear you and offer hope.

Get Help Need help now? During normal business hours, please contact or go to your local Compass Health clinic. For help after business hours, holidays and weekends please call our Crisis Hotline numbers:... Behavioral Health Response, 24-hour crisis hotline 800-833-3915 or 314-469-3638, TTY for hearing impaired.

It doesn't matter how you ask, just ask. #Bethere #Seizetheawkward

Calling 911 and Talking with Police On the Phone: Share all the information you can with your 911 operator. Tell the dispatcher that your loved one is having a mental health crisis and explain her mental health history and/or diagnosis. If the police who arrive aren't aware that a mental health crisis is occurring, they cannot handle the situation appropriately. NPD has crisis intervention team (CIT) trained police officers to handle and respond safely to psychiatric crisis c...alls. Not every police officer is trained in a CIT program, but you should ask for a CIT officer if possible. During a Crisis Police are trained to maintain control and ensure safety. If you are worried about a police officer overreacting, the best way to ensure a safe outcome is to stay calm. When an officer arrives at your home, say "this is a mental health crisis." Mention you can share any helpful information, then step out of the way. Yelling or getting too close to the officer is likely to make him feel out of control. You want the officer as calm as possible. Be aware that your loved one may be placed in handcuffs and transported in the back of a police car. This can be extremely upsetting to witness, so be prepared. What Can the Police Do? Transport a person who wants to go to the hospital. A well-trained CIT officer can often talk to a person who is upset, calm him down and convince him to go to the hospital voluntarily. Take a person to a hospital for an involuntary evaluation. In certain circumstances, police can force a person in crisis to go to the hospital involuntarily for a mental health evaluation. The laws vary from state to state. Check on the welfare of your family member if you are worried about her or can't reach her. Call the non-emergency number for the police department in your community and explain why you are concerned. Ask them to conduct a welfare check.

CIT Missouri took time after the awards luncheon to pose for a group photo. They were gracious hosts and winners. Thank you all

We are looking forward to seeing everyone this week at the conference!