Pictured from left to right: Randi Edwards, Co-Responder; Justin Glantz, Commander; Chris Nickelberry, Patrol; Esther Collins, Community Liaison Officer; Kelly Grant, Patrol; Marcos Balderas, Patrol; Todd Norris, Chief; Kaycee Lytle, North Range Behavioral Health Board Member; Kim Collins, North Range Behavioral Health CEO; Jayme Clapp, North Range Behavioral Health Co-Response Program Director
For the officers of the Frederick Police Department, responding to a call often means meeting someone on one of the most difficult days of their life. Increasingly, those moments involve behavioral health challenges. Individuals may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, families may be in crisis, or young people may be struggling to cope.
For the past five years, Frederick Police Department officers haven’t faced those moments alone.
Through the ongoing Carbon Valley and Mead Co-Responder partnership with North Range, the Frederick Police Department has integrated behavioral health professionals directly alongside officers, ensuring people in crisis receive compassionate, immediate support. In recognition of that partnership and the department’s dedication to mental wellness, North Range Behavioral Health has named the Frederick Police Department its 2025 Community Champion for Behavioral Health.
The Community Champion for Behavioral Health Award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma, and expand access to care within their communities.
With 41 sworn officers, the Frederick Police Department has made behavioral health collaboration a core part of how it serves the community. During the department’s busiest hours, which are often afternoons and early evenings, Co-Responders join officers in the field to provide on-scene support, assess behavioral health needs, and help individuals and families connect with resources. When they are not physically present, Co-Responders remain available by phone to guide officers through difficult situations.
Over time, the partnership has grown into something deeper than coordination. It has become centered in trust.
Over the years, this partnership has evolved from being simply comfortable with each other to truly relying on one another,” said Sergeant Ian Albert, who has served with the department for 23 years. “Our Co-Responders provide an incredible relief to patrol officers by staying on scene to support individuals and families in crisis, allowing officers to focus on criminal matters while ensuring everyone receives the help they need.”
That collaboration allows officers to respond more effectively to a wide range of behavioral health needs, from suicidal ideation and substance use concerns to family conflict and challenges facing youth.
The Frederick Police Department’s values of Family, Respect, Empowerment, and Dedication (FRED), guide every interaction officers have with the community. Officers receive Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, along with anti-bias education and ethics development, helping ensure that responses to behavioral health situations are thoughtful, compassionate, and effective.
Through strong leadership and a shared commitment to community wellbeing, the Frederick Police Department continues to demonstrate how collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health providers can create safer, healthier communities.
The department was honored with the award during the North Range Behavioral Health Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, March 10.
