Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (MHA-EM) hosted its 28th Annual Police Recognition Luncheon. Nineteen officers received the John J. McAtee Award in recognition of their compassion, concern and understanding when assisting an individual in psychiatric crisis. Awardees represented the Bridgeton, Creve Coeur, Olivette, Overland, St. John, St. Louis County, St. Louis Metropolitan, St. Peters, University City, and Warrenton Police Departments, as well as Missouri State Highway Patrol. Jim McAtee reflected on the work of his father, for whom the award is named. Jennifer M. Joyce, Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis, delivered the keynote address. The Honorable Judge David L. Dowd, event chair, and Pat McGonigle, KSDK News Channel 5, presented the awards.Recipient from Warrenton Police Department, Officer Justin PughWarrenton Police Department had been receiving phone calls from a woman once - or more - a day, reporting serious crimes she believed her neighbor was committing against her. The department, and particularly Officer Pugh, had responded time and time again. They realized they were not encountering a woman who was a victim of crime, but a woman who was very mentally ill and in need of support. In reaching out to community resources, Officer Pugh contacted Crider Health Center to connect the woman to appropriate mental health services. As a result, she is doing much better and calls to the police department have been greatly reduced.This nominator comments that Officer Pugh consistently displayed empathy, patience and kindness when working with the subject. She also reports Officer Pugh does an excellent job of staying in contact with her, displaying his willingness to work with other agencies to help a person in need of mental health services.Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri Honors Law Enforcement Officers