Special to The Beacon Nahunta Police Chief Brad Todd, along with officers Jeff Sturgill and Cole Sturgill, have successfully completed advanced Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Instructor Training for Youth, provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
This intensive training program equips law enforcement professionals with the knowledge, communication skills, and instructional ability needed to effectively respond to youth experiencing mental health crises. The course required active participation, scenariobased learning, and a deep understanding of adolescent behavioral health.
“This training was outstanding,” said Chief Todd. “It was intense, hands-on, and required our officers to fully engage. NAMI did an exceptional job preparing our team to not only respond to youth in crisis, but to train others to do the same. This is a major step forward for our department and our community.
“Our goal is simple. We want to connect with our youth before a crisis turns into something worse. This training gives us the tools to build trust, communicate effectively, and make a real difference in young lives.”
Officer Sturgill, a member of the Crime Suppression and Intelligence Unit (CSIU), becomes the first officer within the unit to receive instructor certification, marking a significant milestone. The Nahunta Police Department plans for every member of CSIU to complete this training, further strengthening the unit’s ability to respond to youth in crisis.
As part of the department’s ongoing initiative, CSIU officers are continuously engaged in advanced training to enhance their skills in working with youth experiencing mental health challenges.
Nationally, one in five youth experience a mental health disorder each year, and nearly 50 percent of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14, underscoring the importance of this training.
With this certification, NPD instructors will be able to train additional first responders, school personnel, church leaders, and community partners who interact with youth daily. The department plans to launch this program in the near future.
“We are proud of the proactive leadership shown by our police department,” said City Manager Tom Wirth. “Investing in this level of training ensures our officers are prepared to respond with professionalism, compassion, and understanding. This program will have a lasting impact not only on our officers, but on the entire community.”
“Our youth are our future, and it is critical that we meet them where they are, especially during difficult times,” Mayor Marty Lee said. “I fully support the Nahunta Police Department’s commitment to this training and their efforts to build trust and meaningful connections with our young people. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach our community needs.”
The Nahunta Police Department remains committed to proactive policing, community partnership, and ensuring every officer is equipped to respond not only to crime, but to the human challenges facing the community.
