Nevada officers receive Chief's Commendation

Sgt. Jeff Baker and Officer Amber Williamson with Asst. Chief Casey Crain, left, and Chief Graham Burnley following the ceremony where they were awarded a Chief's Commendation. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

By Nevada Police Chief Graham Burnley

Special to the Daily Mail

On Feb. 10, 2016, Nevada Police Officers, Sgt. Jeff Baker and PO Amber Williamson were radio dispatched to a report of an individual who had fled a mental health facility after cutting herself and threatening suicide. The police learned that the woman was diagnosed with several mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. Her mental illness caused her to hear voices which, told her to kill herself. Due to their training as Crises Intervention Team (CIT) Officers, both officers knew that they must handle this critical incident in a delicate fashion.

The police officers located the distraught woman walking down the street with a broken piece of glass in her hand. As they approached the individual, she shouted for them to stop and said, "if you take one more step, I will cut my throat."

Upon arrival, police established a perimeter to ensure the safety of the community and secure the suspect in one location under police control. The initial responding officers' utilized techniques learned as CIT Officers. This team of Nevada Police Officers quickly and firmly gained control of the situation by using proper police tactics and voice commands.

The uninjured suspect was taken into protective custody without injury and was swiftly transported to the Nevada Regional Medical Center for evaluation and subsequent admission for psychological treatment. After transport to a safe and secure location, the police interviewed the woman and learned that she planned to deliberately cause the police to shoot and kill her.

Nobody was injured in this successful operation.

The amazing restraint and display of outstanding tactics by these police officers, is a testament to their commitment to public safety and the finest ideals of service to the community.

I have determined that their professionalism and outstanding service helped bring this case to a successful conclusion and has significantly raised the bar for Law Enforcement. Their actions are commendable and bring credit to themselves and to the highest traditions of the Nevada Police Department.

Therefore, as a result of their outstanding performance, it is my privilege to award Nevada Police Sgt. Jeff Baker and PO Amber Williamson, "The Chief's Commendation," on this the 17th day of February 2016.