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the most referrals to CIT services without resorting to hospitalizations or arrests. Sarah Ferguson, Director of Treatment & Recovery and member of the MHDAS Board, expressed gratitude to all 11 law enforcement agencies in the Champaign/Logan CIT program for their dedication to tracking CIT calls for service. She noted that all 11 agencies are actively participating and regularly entering behavioral health calls into the Cordata platform, achieving a milestone of 1,000 CIT forms entered. Champaign County Officer of the Year: Officer Tristian Williams
Officer Tristian Williams of the Urbana Police Department was named Champaign County Officer of the Year. Standing alongside Officer Williams during the presentation was Urbana Police Chief Matt Lingrell. Chief Lingrell praised Officer Williams, stating, "The opportunities we have to serve others and to give hope to others when they truly need it—that’s really what the core of law enforcement is, in my opinion. We do protect and serve, and we do catch the bad guys, but at the end of your career, you’ll look back on the number of people you have given hope to or served. I guarantee that in the quantity he referred, there was great quality in the service he provided. I am so appreciative of this group selecting Tristian." Officer Williams reflected on his role, saying, "Law enforcement is about serving and protecting our community. This includes not only catching the bad guys but also getting people the help they need for mental health or someone to talk to. I strive every day to make sure I do well by the City of Urbana, by my Chief, and by my family. I am honored to be nominated and to receive this award." When asked what advice he would give to other law enforcement officers, he said, "Just remember that we all have good days and bad days. We can’t judge people on their worst days; we’re here to help them get to their next best day." Logan County Officer of the Year: Officer Tyler Simpson Bellefontaine Police Chief Chris Marlow presented Officer Tyler Simpson with the Logan County Officer of the Year award. Chief Marlow highlighted Officer Simpson’s outstanding interpersonal skills, stating, "The reason Officer Tyler does so well at this is because of his personality. He's so easy to talk to and connects with people on every level." Officer Simpson shared his approach, "I try to connect with everyone I deal with. I always explain that the last place I want to take them is to jail. If I have to, I will, knowing they are safe, but I don’t want to. I ask them in every single way, ‘What can I do to help?’ I don’t care what I have to do or how far I have to go; I’ll do whatever I can to help. That’s what usually helps people connect with me, knowing they’re not going to jail." When asked about the recognition, he said, "It means a lot. Being able to help people in any way I can means everything to me, and that’s what I strive for every single day when I talk to somebody." Officer Simpson’s advice to other officers was, "Don’t fall into the police persona of having tunnel vision just to take someone to jail. When you deal with somebody in these situations, it’s usually the worst time of their life. So just try to connect with them on that level and get them the help they need." Goals of CIT These awards highlight the dedication and compassion of officers like Williams and Simpson, who go above and beyond to serve their communities and provide hope during times of crisis. The goals of CIT include:
Achieving full implementation of these programs may take a year or more due to challenges such as the behavioral healthcare workforce shortage, but they remain top priorities for enhancing community safety and support. The community can support the CIT program by:
For inquiries about the CIT program, community members are encouraged to contact the MHDAS Board at 937-465-1045. Comments are closed.
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