Two honored at CIT banquet
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IDAHO FALLS — Idaho Falls Police Officer Jason Miller and Dispatcher Charlene Rumsey received awards for the Region 7 Crisis Intervention Team “Officer of the Year” and “Dispatcher of the Year,” respectively, Tuesday evening.
Miller and Rumsey were honored during the fifth annual CIT Awards Banquet.
“The Idaho Falls Police Department is happy and honored to have both Jason and Charlene on our team and serving within our community,” Idaho Falls Police Chief Mark McBridesaid. “They exemplify the department values of professionalism, trust, respect and integrity.”
Miller was selected based on his numerous interactions with citizens that are mentally challenged and struggle with substance abuse issues. Miller’s supervisors said he demonstrates great compassion for these individuals as he strives to give sincere advice
and help them find long‐term solutions for their problems.
In October, Miller was instrumental in assisting an Army Veteran, suffering from mental illness, as he listened intently and empathetically to the veteran’s concerns. By the end of their conversation, the veteran agreed to seek help in resolving his problems.
As a dispatcher for more than 20 years, Rumsey has taken numerous phone calls from citizens seeking emergency assistance. Each and every time, Rumsey demonstratespatience, calmness and empathy when helping individuals get the best assistance possible.
According to Rumsey’s supervisor, during a busy shift she received a phone call from a distressed caller that suffered from mental illness. As she dispatched units to assist this caller, Rumsey stayed on the phone with the individual and helped calm him down which greatly added to the safety and well‐being of the individual and the responding officers.
The Region 7 CIT is made up of first‐responders, mental health professionals, probation officers and advocates that are specially trained in dealing with individuals that suffer from mental illness and substance abuse.