PRESS RELEASE
Office of the Police Chief
605 N. Capital Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2016
Idaho Falls Police Department Contact
Joelyn Hansen
Community Projects Coordinator/PIO
jhansen@idahofallsidaho.gov
Two Honored by Crisis Intervention Team
Idaho Falls, ID – Idaho Falls Police Officer Lynn Billman and Idaho Falls Dispatcher Amanda
Sterling were recognized as the 2016 Region 7 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer and
Dispatcher of the Year, respectively, during a banquet held two weeks ago.
Billman and Sterling received their awards during the annual Crisis Intervention Team Banquet
held on Aug. 4 in Idaho Falls.
“Both Lynn and Amanda are great representations of the many good men and women who work at
the Idaho Falls Police Department,” Idaho Falls Police Chief Mark McBride said. “Their commitment
to assisting our citizens is phenomenal.”
CIT is an innovative first‐responder model of police‐based crisis intervention with community,
health care, and advocacy partnerships. Also known as the “Memphis Model,” named after its
origination, the CIT Model has spread throughout the country. CIT provides law enforcementbased
crisis intervention training to better assist individuals with mental illnesses. The training also
improves the safety of patrol officers, consumers, family members, and community members.
Each year the Region 7 CIT recognizes personnel who go above and beyond in their service.
Billman, a 26‐year IFPD veteran, was selected by CIT for his commitment to help people in need.
“He often demonstrates his compassion, sensitivity and willingness to spend the extra time in all of
the cases he works,” Idaho Falls Lt. Steve Hunt said
Recently, Billman assisted family members who were caring for a loved one suffering from
dementia. The family was struggling with the individual repeatedly walking away from his
residence. Billman worked closely with the family to help identify community resources to assist
the family and resolve the issue.
“Sterling, who has been with the department six years, is constantly assisting people during a
crisis,” Dispatch Supervisor Sherry Glick said. “She is always willing to go the extra mile and do
what it takes to help callers and first‐responders.”
PRESS RELEASE
Office of the Police Chief
605 N. Capital Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Follow the Idaho Falls Police Department on Facebook!
One such example of Sterling’s commitment to public safety is when she assisted a family locate a
missing son. Frantic, the family was concerned about their son’s well‐being. Sterling investigated
the situation and was able to contact the son and relay to the family that he was safe.
Media Note: For additional information regarding this release, contact Joelyn Hansen.
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About Idaho Falls Police Department: The Idaho Falls Police Department strives to create an environment
free from crime and disorder through efficient service and valuable community collaboration. The dominant
values of the Idaho Falls Police Department are: (1) Integrity (2) Professionalism (3) Respect (4) and Trust.
Values are the most fundamental beliefs by which the organization operates. They serve as a foundation on
which leadership and management are provided and decisions are made. The values established by this
department are non‐negotiable, and are constantly held before the employees and the community. Learn more
on our website.
