Twenty-six Graduate from Crisis Intervention Training

Fifteen Escambia County Corrections, Fire Rescue and EMS staff graduated from the 39th Crisis Intervention Training course today, Aug. 31. The graduation ceremony was held at the Escambia County Public Safety Building on W Street, recognized the participants with a CIT pin and certificate. Escambia County hosted the training with agencies from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties participating, including Escambia County Sheriff's and Santa Rosa County Sheriff's offices, Santa Rosa Corrections, Milton, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, VA, University of West Florida and Pensacola State College police departments, and Lakeview Center, Inc. for a total of 26 class members. 

Escambia County graduates included:

Corrections Counselor Brianna Pagano Case Manager Tinisha Thomas Sgt. Jerry Champion Sgt. Stephanie Watkins Officer Doyuan Smith Officer Hunter Davis Officer Grace Cole Officer Ida McLean Officer Michael Pickard Officer Patrick Bridges Officer William Kagarise Officer Mark Connolly

EMS Captain Jim Bonoyer Fire Rescue Lieutenant Nick Gradia Lieutenant Jim Allen

The 40-hour training program is recognized and used throughout the country, emphasizing a partnership between law enforcement, the mental health and substance abuse treatment systems, mental health advocacy groups and consumers of mental health services and their families. CIT is designed for first responders who handle crisis calls involving people with mental illnesses, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders. 

Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to hear from instructors from the law enforcement community along with mental health professionals. Certified CIT Mental Health Coordinator Mary Carter from Lakeview Center Inc. was the facilitator for the training, which also included tours of the West Florida Community Care Center in Milton, Lakeview's Acute Stabilization Unit and the Baptist Behavioral Unit. CIT participants learned crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques through role play, also getting an opportunity to hear powerful stories from those in the community who suffer from mental illness or who have family members with mental illnesses.  

Northwest Florida CIT has held 39 training classes with 911 graduates since it began in 2006, spearheaded by Lakeview Center Inc. CIT’s mission is to provide a safe environment for persons with mental illness by partnering with agencies and systems within the community. These actions facilitate growth, strength and stability in the lives of persons with mental illness, carried out through education, communication and cooperation from those who serve the citizens of the community.