The Great Rivers Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Council recognized several Warrenton-area officers at its annual awards banquet Oct. 6 in O’Fallon.Each officer received Outstanding Service Awards for exemplary handling of cases involving persons in mental health crises.Warrenton Sgt. Justin Keiser was recognized for his involvement with an elderly individual who was suffering from dementia. This individual was unable to make good decisions and was at great risk of self-harm.Sgt. Keiser established rapport with the individual, his family and his neighbors and was instrumental in bringing the crisis to a safe and happy conclusion for everyone involved, the CIT said.Warren County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Aaron Sutton and Deputy John Kelly, along with Warrenton Police Department Sgt. Chase Ledbetter and Chief Greg Houdyshell exemplified how imperative it is for agencies to work together to help persons in mental health crises.These officers displayed uncommon empathy and kindness while dealing with a homeless individual, the CIT said. The individual was directed to several agencies that were able to provide food, shelter and counseling.The individual is now able to live independently and recently said, “I didn’t know what to do. When I was helpless, they helped me. You don’t think the law is going to do that.”The Great Rivers Crisis Intervention Team is comprised of law enforcement officers from St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren and Pike counties.The officers receive specialized training to help them better understand and handle situations involving people in mental health crisis. Michelle Horvath, Community Mental Health liaison, nominated the officers.Crisis Intervention Team