Program that helps veterans in crisis has roots in the Triangle
APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- A program that's helping law enforcement officers across the country better respond to veterans in crisis started right here in the Triangle.
More than a decade ago, two Apex police officers responded to a call involving a military member who had barricaded himself inside a home after returning from service. The officers, both veterans themselves, were able to safely de-escalate the situation and get the man the help he needed.
The next day, when the man was no longer in crisis, the officers went back to check on him. That follow-up sparked an idea that would grow into a national training model.
ALSO SEE | U.S. Army Green Beret gifted new home in Garner on Veterans Day
They reached out to Roosevelt Richard, a crisis intervention trainer with Alliance Health, to help create a program focused specifically on assisting veterans and service members experiencing mental health emergencies.
Richard said he didn't hesitate to get involved.
ALSO SEE | Veterans Day events honor, thank former service members across the Triangle
"My grandfather was a veteran and family members are veterans as well," he said. "And you just want to give back, you know, if somebody made the ultimate sacrifice or chose to, you know, go into the service to support our freedoms, you want to make sure you can do something to support them later in life. Then that's what I want to do."
With Richard's help, the first training launched just six months later. In the 10 years since, the program has expanded nationally -- helping law enforcement officers across the country recognize the unique needs of veterans and service members in crisis.
ALSO SEE | Veterans Day luncheon in Fayetteville celebrates service and sacrifice
Richard said he knows that mental health can be a tough subject for many service members to talk about, but he wants veterans and their families to know there is help available.
Veterans in crisis can call 988 at any time and press 1 to be connected to specialized support for service members and their loved ones.
