CPD officers honored by Marion VA for response to mental health crisis call

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Officers with the City of Carbondale Police Department received awards Wednesday from the Marion VA for their response to a mental health crisis call earlier this year.

According to the department, officers Zach Street and Aaron Ford, along with Lt. Acray, responded in February to the VA Clinic on East Walnut Street after reports of a person in crisis. Police said the officers safely resolved the incident.

During the VA’s “Walk with a Cop” event in Marion, the officers were presented with civilian awards recognizing their service during the call.

Police said mental health calls can present significant challenges for responding officers and praised the professionalism and empathy shown during the incident.