Sunman PD adds new Special Officer-Mental Health Professional
A few months ago, Morgan Allen, age 33 of Sunman, was speaking with Sunman Marshal Brian Maynard on the need for mental health assistance throughout Ripley County, not only community wide, but for first responders on the scenes. Maynard told the Osgood Journal, “As being in law enforcement for over 20 years, along with EMS, two coroners office and working for a funeral home, I have experienced many crisis situations that hit too close to home that sometimes we are not okay but have to be okay in our positions. I have watched so many first responders and the community struggle with mental health after a crisis that aren’t okay, and want to provide a service to them to help with their challenges while being confidential and discreet.”
Morgan has a master’s degree in professional counseling and is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been in the mental health field for nine years. She was a clinician on the Choices CERT (Choices Emergency Response Team) for two years and has also practiced as a therapist for seven of those, specializing in trauma therapy.
Morgan is now the MST Clinical Supervisor at Choices, where she and her team work with youth and their families struggling with behavioral and emotional difficulties. When asked why she chose this field she told the Osgood Journal, “I chose this field to be a safe person for people who feel like they don’t have anyone.”
She enjoys family time with her husband, Derek, of six years with their two children, Nolan, age 4 and Norah, age 3. Morgan’s family history is what makes her who she is today. She told the Osgood Journal, “While growing up my mother, Julie Brock was an EMT for 18 years and my late grandfather, John Campbell, was a member on the town board and was greatly involved in the community. They lived by: if they saw a need, they just did it. My brother, Corey, has been a firefighter since he was in high school. He has been on many runs that were challenging. Seeing first responders and others struggle after a crisis, I want to spread awareness, especially in Ripley County, that they don’t always have to be okay.”
On June 26, Marshal Brian Maynard discussed his vision with the Board and got the approval for Morgan to join the Sunman Police Dept. as a volunteer Special Officer-Mental Health Professional. The Board unanimously approved the position and has given unwavering support. Morgan was sworn in at the meeting.
With Morgan’s background and expertise in the mental health field, she will be a great asset to the community and first responders. With her new position with Sunman Police Dept., Morgan will be hands on with crisis intervention with on duty calls and offer brief intervention to local first responders. She will provide that crisis an extra level of support and will assist with resources crisis victims needs.
“I wanted to help with more support for mental health awareness in Ripley County and when asked to join the department it was a way I knew I could help and knew I just needed to do it,” Morgan stated to the Osgood Journal. The goal is to utilize Morgan in all forces-Police, Fire and EMT. Sunman will be her central hub where she will be stationed.
Morgan said that many asked why she does what she does. Not only does she have the passion for her field, but she stated that there are so many challenges because of mental health issues whether it be from addiction, suicide, depression, work related etc. She wants to help support more people after a crisis or assist in preventing the inevitable of struggling.
She told the Osgood Journal, “I plant the seed anyway. I might not see the progress, and I might not see the success happen with someone, but it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Small steps are still progress, and if I can support even just one person through a tough time, that’s a success to me.”
Sunman Police Dept. is excited for this new addition to their force. Morgan will be attending training for Emergency Responder and Public Safety Clinician Certification. This will give her a better understanding of work that first responders do and better relate to them. She then will be able to provide the appropriate support. Morgan concluded with the Osgood Journal, “As with any change, it will take time, and trust will need to be built. I’ll be ready when they are. Don’t feel you are alone, if you need to talk to someone don’t be afraid to reach out.” Morgan is going to be a great contribution to the community and is here to make a difference in mental health awareness and recovery throughout Ripley County.
