2024 CIT Commendations
The recognition of excellent work in the area of crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mental health response on the part of an officer who went above and beyond
Brookline Police Department
Officer Timothy Stephenson
Officer Timothy Stephenson conducts himself in a manner that exemplifies the principles of Crisis Intervention Training and implementation. He was in the first group of Brookline Officers to attend CIT training and was an original member of the Brookline Police Crisis Intervention Team. Officer Stephenson has been assigned to the Community Service Division for the majority of his career. In that time, he has not only been an excellent police officer but an invaluable resource for individuals and families in the Brookline Community. In the 21 years he has been a “Walk and Talk” Officer, he has developed relationships with generations of Brookline Families. He routinely responds to individuals and families who are in crisis or living with on-going issues related to mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence and neighbor disputes.
Needham Police Department
Officer Victoria Denneno
Officer Denneno has proven herself an invaluable asset to both our department and the residents of Needham, especially those affected by mental health crises, substance use issues, and domestic violence. Her transition into the Community Outreach Officer role was timely, and it is clear that she is truly made for this position. In addition to her community outreach efforts, Officer Denneno is a member of the Metro-LEC Crisis Negotiator Team and has participated in numerous callouts. She also teaches at the South Shore CIT, focusing on mental health within the LGBTQ+ community. Her work extends to advocating for victims of domestic violence through the court system, shelters, and other vital resources.
Walpole Police Department
Officer George W. Byrd Jr.
Officer Byrd has also demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding his knowledge on topics involving mental health and youth. In 2024 alone, he attended seven separate trainings including, Cultivating School Based Mental Health, Juveniles and Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid, NASRO Adolescent Mental Health, Navigating Loss and Trauma, Understanding Gender Identity, Violence Risk Assessment with Youth, and Youth CIT. Officer Byrd’s commitment to the principles of CIT are very evident through his daily actions. He has, time and time again, demonstrated the ability to build a rapport with individuals in crisis, and he is frequently able to successfully de-escalate volatile situations quickly. Because of these qualities, Officer Byrd was made a liaison to Walpole’s Home for Little Wanderers in 2020.
Newton Police Department
Officer David Calderon
David demonstrates professional and empathetic conduct when dealing with community members that suffer from a mental illness and/or are in a mental health crisis. David has consistently shown exemplary abilities when speaking with someone in a mental health crisis and his skillset has not gone unnoticed. As a police officer, you are often asked to go above and beyond more than just enforcing the law. David continues to show that not only can he rise to the challenge, but he can also do well at it.
Sharon Police Department
Officer Alexandra Pierce
Officer Alexandra Pierce responded to a suicidal male. Officer Pierce was able to calm down the male subject, de-escalate the incident, and assist in getting the male subject medical help. Officer Pierce learned the male wanted to create an incident where he would be shot by a police officer (suicide by COP). Officer Pierce’s swift actions deescalated a serious incident, got the male needed medical help, saved family members from significant injury, and possibly saved lives.
MIT University Police Department
Officer Yessenia Gomez
Officer Yessenia Gomez is a CIT trained officer who has demonstrated a consistent commitment to the principles behind CIT. She has successfully interacted with individuals in crisis and goes above and beyond to work with vulnerable individuals on a consistent basis. During a call back in March she demonstrated a commitment to another very important CIT principle when she successfully talked a party into seeking medical treatment instead of taking law enforcement action. Utilizing her CIT training on interacting with emotionally disturbed individuals, Officer Gomez was able to talk this individual into voluntarily going with the medics to the hospital for further treatment and evaluation.
Wellesley Police Department
Officer Mike Pino
Officer Pino has a strong interest in mental health issues and learning about best practices to address them. He is always willing to consult with the department's clinician as a means to provide effective follow up to a resident and to assess quality of response. Officer Pino is an active participant in CIT meetings and trainings. He leads by example. Officer Pino has had many opportunities to put his training and knowledge to good use. Several months ago, Officer Pino saved the life of a young man after a terrible work accident. The young man spent several days in ICU and has since made a remarkable recovery. Throughout his medical ordeal, Officer Pino stayed in contact with his family and was kept apprised of his progress. When the young man was feeling better, he visited the police station to thank Officer Pino. Officer Pino not only saved his life but he was also able to provide some closure on a difficult experience. Officer Pino understands that oftentimes his responsibility goes beyond clearing a call.
Wellesley Police Department
Officer Kathleen Poirer
She is dedicated to the CIT mission. As the SRO at the elementary schools and middle school, she has plenty of opportunity to use and develop her CIT skills. Officer Poirier has been an SRO for many years. As an SRO, Officer Poirier has worked hard to develop relationships with her students. She can be often be found participating in school activities such as kickball or a Friday afternoon dance party. When students are asked if they know Officer Poirier, they always respond with a resounding: “Yes.” Officer Poirier has shown a willingness to collaborate with the department’s mental health clinician. She has arranged and attended meetings with students, parents, and the clinician to address the mental health needs of the student. In those meetings, she has advocated for the student as well as supported the parents and student in creating a workable plan to address the issues at hand.