Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey and his department were recognized yesterday for their excellence in crisis intervention training.
The Paint Valley ADAMH Board announced that the Sheriff’s Office received the CIT Program of the Year award during the Ohio Crisis Intervention Team Conference in Columbus. The award acknowledges law enforcement agencies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs.
“Sheriff Hafey is not only dedicated to serving those with mental health needs, but also empowers his officers to develop a robust CIT program that benefits the community,” said Melanie Swisher, Executive Director of the Paint Valley ADAMH Board. “The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office has made significant progress in reducing stigma and providing appropriate interventions and referrals for people experiencing mental health crisis.”
Sheriff Hafey emphasized the importance of CIT programs for all public safety personnel. “We increasingly encounter individuals struggling with mental health crises,” Hafey said. “In the past, mental health education for law enforcement was minimal. Thankfully, this is changing. Now, we focus on connecting people in crisis with the support they need. I’m incredibly proud of the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office staff and their dedication to helping those in mental health crisis.”
The Paint Valley ADAMH Board, established in 1967, works to ensure access to community-based mental health and addiction services across several Ohio counties.
