The Salisbury Police Department, specifically Cpl. Christopher Casey and Sgt. Ronald Patten, were recognized at the Nov. 9 Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners meeting by The Advocacy Alliance of Allentown.

“The ‘I’m the Evidence Award’ is given to acknowledge individuals who live with mental health issues and are in recovery as well as community agencies, etc. that support these individuals,” Connie J. Hammann, external advocate project manager, Community Support Services, The Advocacy Alliance, said.

“The Salisbury Police Department was chosen to receive this award because of their compassionate and supportive response to calls that were made for service to Robbins Bower, Lehigh County’s crisis program. We have, at times, the need for police support for some individuals in crisis and depending on how our officers respond can often times determine if that event ends positively for our individuals. Salisbury’s consistent compassionate and professional response has been instrumental is achieving the best possible outcome for individuals in a crisis situation. They are also being acknowledged for their engagement with our folks that they may meet while in the community, always engaging the individuals with dignity and respect which in the majority of case guarantees a positive outcome,” Hammann said.

Jennifer Amaral, program director for Robbins Bower crisis residential, also spoke at the meeting, citing examples where “police officers exhibited true care and compassion.”

“On May 8, Officer Casey and Sgt. Patten responded to a call from staff at Robbins Bower to assist with a participant whose symptoms escalated, resulting in the need ... for inpatient hospitalization,” Amaral said. “While waiting for Lehigh County Crisis to initiate the ... process, both officers remained on site providing support to the staff and assistance with deescalating the participant. Due to the outstanding verbal skills and their proficient knowledge of their duty, they were able to keep this participant calm. The skills these two officers displayed resulted in the participant complying with their medications when initially refusing.”

Amaral said approximately two weeks later, Robbins Bower again needed assistance. During this incident, Officer Brian Zulick arrived and quickly deescalated the situation. “He effectively ensured the safety of all staff and participants,” Amaral said.

Amaral said these examples show the positive interaction they have experienced with the police department.

“Your job is hard and you deserve to know your work is appreciated. We are humbled by the wonderful work that you do each and every day. I, along with the staff at Robbins Bower, thank you for your ongoing dedication, compassion and professionalism. You are not just an officer when arriving to our calls; you are also an advocate for these participants, sensitive to the mental health component of the participant’s situation and meet the participant where they are in their recovery. We are truly grateful to know that the Salisbury Police Department is only one phone call away,” Amaral said.

The commissioners also praised the police department. Chief Allen W. Stiles said all staff has undergone training which includes treating everyone with respect.

In other business, commissioners authorized the second payment to In Line Services for work associated with the water meter replacement project. Commissioner Robert Martucci Jr. said he had been hearing positive comments about the replacement project. Commissioner President James Brown said the personnel were professional, were at his home for approximately 14 minutes and cleaned up when they were done.

Scout volunteers Richard Kloss and Al Dallao, with the Minsi Trails Trexler District, provided additional information on the request to hold the Klondike Derby event at Franko Farm Park Jan. 20, 2018. Approximately 110 Scouts, parents and volunteers will use the nature trail and pavilions at Franko Farm Park for the event. The park will not be closed to the public and athletic fields will not be used.

Commissioners asked Stiles if there were any issues with the Klondike Derby at Franko Farm Park in the past, to which he replied, “No issues, everything went smoothly. We always want to support the Scouts.”

The commissioners unanimously approved the event.