PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Portage City police officer received honors from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
According to the city of Portage, Officer David Barker intervened in a mental health crisis and prevented a citizen’s attempt to die by suicide in July 2021.
Officials say the person was in a vehicle in a Portage City park when they indicated an intent to die by suicide with a handgun. Barker first called for backup officers, who escorted bystanders out of the park into safety. He then reached into the vehicle during a moment of distraction and took the handgun from the person.
Officer Barker was presented with the Above and Beyond Award by the attorney general at a ceremony on Tuesday, March 22.
Barker, who is also Crisis Intervention Team trained, had underwent intervention training in 2021 where Portage police were joined by officers from Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan State Police, Kalamazoo Township Police and Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office. The training included in the classroom and role-playing scenarios.
Public Information Officer for the city of Portage Mary Beth Block says that Portage provides guidance to all officers pertaining to responding to persons suffering from mental illness.
