Portage County First Responders Strengthen Crisis Response Skills

Fourteen Portage County first responders spent a day in May sharpening their skills in responding to mental health crisis calls. All attendees had previously completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training — a 40-hour program designed to equip first responders with the skills needed to safely and effectively respond to individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies.

Portage County CIT Coordinator Officer Josh Bartholomew presented on de-escalation techniques and reviewed pink slip procedures. Darla Scott of Portage County Juvenile Court discussed youth mental health and shared information about the new behavioral health unit at the juvenile detention center. Diane Dudziak provided insight on interacting with and de-escalating individuals with special needs.

Participants also had the opportunity to tour two new community facilities: the Portage Crisis Center and the Axess Family Services building in Ravenna.

Back row:

Lt. Sonny Jones (PCSO), Of. Brandon Allensworth (Ravenna PD), Of. David Dicicco (Aurora PD), Of. Scott Hermon (Streetsboro PD), Lt. Andrew Lumpkins (Aurora PD), Lt. Richard Polivka (Streetsboro PD), Of. Michael Ciriello (Windham PD)

Front row:

Of. Rachel Dillon (PCSO), Of. Michelle Ice (Aurora PD), Det. Jason Fogleman (Streetsboro PD), Of. Angel Zeigler (PCSO), Disp. Josee Acklin (Streetsboro PD), Of. Kyle French (Streetsboro PD), Of. Jason Hall (Streetsboro PD)