PELLA — The Pella Police Department is pleased to welcome Mike Crowe, a Mental Health  Professional, to the Pella Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), partnering with  Pella Police Department Senior Officer Chad Hardman. The Co-Responder Team is the first of  its kind in Pella and all of Marion County.  

Mike Crowe is a veteran first responder and mental health advocate who brings experience in  EMS and fire service, along with a deep commitment to mental health education. Mike and  Senior Officer Hardman will respond to mental health-related calls and provide support to  individuals in crisis. Together, they aim to enhance the department’s ability to handle these calls  with compassion, professionalism, and a focus on long-term solutions, as well as providing  valuable education and resources to the community. 

Mental health-related calls are becoming more frequent, and there is a need for trained  professionals working together to make a difference for the individual and their families. The  program reflects a growing movement toward more integrated approaches to public safety and  behavioral health, emphasizing de-escalation, early intervention, on-going services, and  community-based care. 

“We’re glad to have Mike on board,” said Sergeant Justin Bailey. “Mental health calls can be  complex, and having a Mental Health Co-Responder like Mike alongside a trained officer helps  ensure we are responding with the right resources and approach. This is a positive step for the  department and the community.”