WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) teamed up with a state agency to offer a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification training.

Twelve deputies participated in the training, as well as representatives from local law enforcement and Whatcom County Health and Community Services.

The training, offered in partnership with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), equipped first responders with skills and knowledge to effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises. De-escalation techniques, a general understanding of mental health conditions, legal aspects and community resources were covered in the 40-hour training.

According to WCSO, Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley was a key figure in offering this training to local agencies.

“I am committed to ensuring our deputies have the best possible training to serve our community,” Tanksley said. “The CIT certification training is a critical resource that will enable our deputies to respond with empathy, understanding and effectiveness in mental health crises.”

The local training saves agencies on costs associated with participating in the training.

Corina Curtis, CJTC Program Specialist CIT Statewide, mentioned how the state agency is looking forward to the classes offered in Whatcom County in 2025.

“The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has taken a proactive approach to address the need for this training and its ongoing implementation. The 2024 Whatcom County CIT class was exceptional, and we look forward to the 2025 classes!”