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Larimer County proclaims week to honor co-responder teams and behavioral health clinicians
Summary
The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing co-responder deputies and partnered behavioral health clinicians for crisis response and diversion work, noting the unithas operated since February 2018 and has expanded with local funding and partnerships.
The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation Sept. 23 recognizing the county—s co-responder deputies and behavioral health clinicians for crisis intervention and jail-diversion work.
The proclamation, read and moved by Commissioner John Kofalas and adopted 3-0, described the county—s co-responder model — which pairs specially trained deputies with clinicians from SummitStone Health Partners — and noted the Larimer County unit has operated since February 2018 and has responded to thousands of emergency and nonemergency calls.
Why it matters: commissioners said the co-responder program reduces unnecessary emergency-room visits and criminal justice involvement and connects people in crisis to treatment and social supports.
Sergeant Robert Cook, who helped draft language for the proclamation, thanked the board and introduced members of the unit in the hearing room, including Deputy Colton Sanders (youth crisis response deputy assigned to Thompson School District), Deputy Kevin Kingston (co-responder deputy), Lieutenant Jeff Van Hook (unit lieutenant) and Larimer County Behavioral Health Services Director Amy Martinez. Cook said the unit—s work — including safety plans, follow-up and rapid linkages to treatment — has saved lives and strengthened community partnerships.
Commissioners praised the program—s outcomes and individual staff. Commissioner Jody Shattuck McNally, who described participating in ride-alongs since 2021, cited program data she said show fewer than 2% of people contacted by the unit later enter the criminal justice system; she and other commissioners and the county manager commended the unit—s naloxone administration and harm-reduction work.
The proclamation credited funding and partnerships from the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners, Larimer County Sheriff—s Office, Larimer County Regional Opioid Abatement Council, Larimer County Behavioral Health Services, SummitStone Health Partners and Longview Treatment Center for program expansion. It also noted local law enforcement and emergency services agencies including Fort Collins Police Services, Loveland Police Services, Colorado State University Police Department, Estes Park Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Thompson Valley Ambulance Service and Thompson School District have developed their own co-responder efforts.
Action taken: Commissioner Kofalas moved to adopt the proclamation; the motion passed 3-0. The board paused afterwards for a group photo.
Ending: The board and presenters framed the proclamation as recognition of ongoing work rather than a change in policy; staff and deputies will continue current operations under existing agreements and funding sources.
