The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a Crisis Intervention Class – with the training taking place at Gadsden State Cherokee in Centre.

The training for that 40 hour class was conducted by the members of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, CED Mental Health, NAMI, Dr. John Holbrook – and Probate Judge Tim Burgess.   Sheriff Jeff Shaver pointed out that the lack of mental health crisis services across the nation has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first responders during a large number of situations.

Many calls answered involve someone in a mental health crisis, and deputies have to be ready and understand how to properly handle the situations; nearly all Cherokee County deputies have been certified in CIT.

That recent training was attended by Cherokee and Etowah County deputies and the Centre Police Department.