FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2025

Crisis Intervention Training to Be Held in Morgantown for First Responders

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - A weeklong Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training will be held July 14–18 at the Morgantown Public Safety Training Center, bringing together law enforcement, dispatchers, and mental health professionals from across the region to strengthen their response to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The 40-hour training is facilitated by Valley HealthCare System in partnership with Trigon Training Group and the Southern West Virginia Crisis Intervention Team. The program emphasizes de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, and collaborative strategies to improve outcomes during crisis situations.

Participating agencies include the Morgantown Police Department, Morgantown Fire Department, West Virginia University Police and Dispatch, Valley HealthCare, VA Police from Harrison County, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Fairmont Police Department, and others. Other emergency service providers are expected to participate in future sessions.

Monongalia EMS will present one of the training segments, contributing to a curriculum designed to equip first responders with the tools and knowledge to safely and effectively assist individuals in crisis.

“We are excited to offer this training, just as we have in the past, to our officers, Special Services Unit, and other personnel,” said Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell. “The idea is to continue to incorporate CIT philosophies and best practices into the culture of our department and how we respond to crisis situations.”

The training is supported by funding from the West Virginia First Foundation, which has made it possible to expand and sustain future CIT training opportunities for first responders and community partners.

“This is not just a training, it’s a collaboration to better serve our citizens and to better utilize the services and resources in our area,” added Samantha Burgess, CIT Coordinator and L.E.A.D Supervisor of Valley Health Care Services. “Continuous training is essential for service success.”

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