2025 CIT Awards Portage County

The Mental Health and Recovery Board is proud to announce the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) honors for 2025 awarded by the Portage County Chief’s Association. Officer Thomas Ondecker, Streetsboro PD was named the CIT Officer of the Year; Kayla Michael, LSW, Coleman Health Services, was named the CIT Champion of the Year; and Disp. Kristen King was named CIT Dispatcher of the Year.

Over the past year, Officer Ondecker has demonstrated exceptional compassion and applied the de-escalation techniques he gained through Crisis Intervention Team training while responding to incidents in Streetsboro. In one instance this June, he responded to a report of a disabled vehicle and discovered it was unoccupied. After locating the vehicle’s owner at a nearby business, he found her extremely distraught and in crisis. Officer Ondecker took the time to calmly engage with her, helping her regain composure until she felt safe to drive home. The very next day, he again showed empathy and care while assisting a family grieving the loss of a loved one.

Kristen King from the Kent State Police Department was honored this year as the CIT Dispatcher of the Year. Not only is Kristen always kind and helpful with callers, but she also goes the extra mile to look out for the safety of other responders. A crisis specialist contacted dispatch to confirm the location of an address that she needed to go to for an outreach visit. Once Kristen read the report, she decided to send police backup for the case manager out of concern for her safety.

“Her concern for the well being of others show in the detailed ways she consistently goes above and beyond to help callers,” stated Kent State Chief of Police Chris Jenkins. “Officers praise her attention to detail, effective use of resources, and strong multi-tasking skills.”

Crisis Specialist with Coleman Access, Kayla Michael, LSW, was named CIT Champion of the Year for her work performing the mental health outreaches requested by Portage County police officers. After the police officers encounter someone with a possible mental health crisis who may need follow-up, Kayla will reach out and provide resources and offer services as appropriate.

“Kayla leads with compassion, purpose, and a deep commitment to collaboration. She has built strong partnerships between mental health providers and law enforcement, ensuring that every crisis is met with empathy and understanding,” said Kelly MacMullin, Director of Crisis Services, Portage County, Coleman Health Services.  “Her work has transformed how our community responds to those in need, bridging gaps, building trust, and creating lasting change. Kayla’s dedication and heart inspire everyone around her.”

Congratulations to all of the 2025 CIT Award winners! Thank you for your support and service to our community!