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Wilmington Police Officer Recognized for Crisis Response


Patroll Officer, Matthew Patrick (Center) joined by family
Patroll Officer, Matthew Patrick (Center) joined by family

Patrol Officer, Mathew Patrick, was recognized at City Council on Thursday, July 20 for his response to a mental health crisis on May, 5, 2023 involving a United States Armed Forces Veteran who was contemplating self­ harm.


Left to Right: Mayor John Stanforth, President of City Council Matthew Purkey, City Service Director Brian Shidaker, Police Chief Ron Fithen
Left to Right: Mayor John Stanforth, President of City Council Matthew Purkey, City Service Director Brian Shidaker, Police Chief Ron Fithen

Police Chief, Ron Fithen, read the following letter at Council written by Sargent Joshua Gibson:


"Patrol Officer Patrick, a United States Armed Forces Veteran himself, made contact with the veteran and immediately made a connection with him. During their encounter and interaction, Patrol Officer Patrick observed signs that this United States Armed Forces Veteran was in an emotional state which needed immediate attention by medical and mental health professionals."


"Patrol Officer Patrick created a rapport with this United States Armed Forces Veteran by remaining patient, polite, calm, courteous, and genuinely taking an interest in this Veteran's emotional and mental health well-being. By Patrol Officer Patrick's approach to this situation, he was able to determine that this individual was in possession of a firearm and it was removed from his possession without incident."


"Patrol Officer Patrick's relationship with this Veteran was formed in the first few minutes of interaction with him and by doing this, he was able to get this Veteran to the medical and mental health treatment that was needed. Patrol Officer Patrick then went the extra mile in this interaction, and stayed with this Veteran at the hospital long after his shift ended, ensuring that this Veteran knew he had an ally while going through a difficult time."


"Patrol Officer Patrick helped take a situation that had the potential to turn out tragic, and assisted a United States Armed Forces Veteran in his time of need. He went above and beyond on this day!"


"It is also my opinion that this United States Armed Forces Veteran be commended for the role that he took in own treatment. He showed the bravery to reach out to others while he was in a difficult situation. It took courage, humility, and selflessness to make the decisions that he made on this day, to seek and accept mental health treatment."

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