A Northampton County paramedic was among the first responders honored by Trillium Health Resources Thursday during its annual Crisis Intervention Team Celebration and Awards Banquet in Wilmington.
Ashley Holloman, of Northampton County EMS, was recognized as CIT First Responder of the Year.
Trillium said more than 90 people joined Trillium to honor the CIT mission to build safer, more compassionate communities through training and collaboration.
Trillium has led more than 300 training sessions, teaching more than 3,800 first responders how to respond to behavioral health crises with knowledge and empathy.
“They gave space, they allowed dignity, and because of that the outcome changed,” said National Alliance on Mental Illness volunteer Laura Bobotas in reference to a CIT-trained law enforcement interaction with her son. “CIT does more than de-escalate situations; it preserves life, preserves dignity, and preserves trust.”
More than 20 percent of police calls involve a mental health crisis. “We are thankful for dedicated responders and providers who are so invested in making sure people get admitted to treatment or recovery instead of jail,” Trillium said.
Others who received awards after a keynote address by Major Christopher Smith with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were:
CIT Law Enforcement of the Year: Deputy Anthony Chandler, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
CIT Correctional Officer of the Year: Associate Warden Vedica Lawson-Washington, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
CIT Probation & Parole Officer of the Year: PPO Emily Martin, NC DAC – Community Supervision
CIT Co-Responder of the Year: Kevin Brooks, City of Greensboro Community Safety Department, Behavioral Health Response Team
CIT Advocate of the Year Award: Dana Daughty Jr., Gate City 180
CIT Role-Player of the Year: Correctional Officer Lyle Delap III, NC DAC
CIT Trainer of the Year: Retired Sergeant Stacey Kerney, Kerney Consulting LLC.
CIT Outstanding Service Award: Christopher Brown, RHA Health Services
CIT Exemplary Service Award: Retired Captain Jennifer Lewis, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office
First responders and agencies interested in CIT training can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.