The award recognizes Chief Deputy Volpe’s outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing Crisis Intervention Team principles throughout Northampton County. Under his leadership, the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department has prioritized mental health awareness and CIT training, ensuring deputies are equipped with the skills necessary to safely and compassionately respond to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.<\/p>\n
\u201cChief Volpe exemplifies what CIT represents,\u201d said Johanne Vanessa Moise, Northampton County CIT Coordinator. \u201cHis leadership and dedication have played a significant role in advancing crisis intervention efforts within Northampton County. By prioritizing CIT training for deputies and supporting the importance of mental health awareness within law enforcement, he has helped foster a culture of empathy, professionalism, and service. His impact extends far beyond his department and continues to strengthen our county’s commitment to effective crisis response.\u201d<\/p>\n
From June 8-12, 2026, members of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department and the Northampton County Department of Corrections completed the nationally recognized 40-Hour Crisis Intervention Team Training. The week-long program provides first responders with specialized education in crisis de-escalation, communication strategies, behavioral health awareness, and community resource navigation to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health crises.<\/p>\n
Participants learned from mental health professionals, individuals with lived experience, legal experts, peer support specialists, and community providers through presentations, community site visits, and scenario-based role-playing exercises designed to strengthen crisis response skills and collaboration among first responders and behavioral health partners.<\/p>\n
During the graduation ceremony, Margaret Murphy, Executive Director of NAMI Lehigh Valley, was recognized with the Northampton County CIT Legacy Award in honor of her upcoming retirement and her years of dedication to expanding and strengthening CIT initiatives throughout Northampton County.<\/p>\n
Building upon the success of the training, Northampton County will host its Second Annual Crisis Intervention Team Symposium on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
The symposium will bring together law enforcement professionals, corrections staff, emergency medical personnel, firefighters, behavioral health providers, peer support specialists, advocates, and community partners for a day focused on education, collaboration, officer wellness, and strengthening community responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises.<\/p>\n
Northampton County’s CIT Program is a collaborative partnership among county agencies, NAMI Lehigh Valley, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, individuals with lived experience, and community stakeholders dedicated to improving responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Northampton County CIT training and CIT Symposium is funded by Northampton County Mental Health.<\/p>\n
For additional information, contact\u00a0Johanne Vanessa Moise\u00a0at 908-400-5604 or\u00a0jvmoise@nami-lv.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: [Northampton County, PA]\u2013Chief Deputy George Volpe of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department was recognized as the Northampton County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year during the graduation ceremony for Northampton County’s recent 40-Hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training. The award recognizes Chief Deputy Volpe’s outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing Crisis Intervention Team … Continue reading Northampton County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy George Volpe Honored as CIT Officer of the Year During Crisis Intervention Team Training<\/span>
\nNorthampton County<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"