SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A Chatham police sergeant received recognition for his recent actions by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Chairman.
Chairman Sean Smoot said that Sergeant Travis Schaal was able to use his Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to save a life.
According to Smoot, Schaal was out on patrol one night when he noticed a vehicle parked on train tracks. He approached the car and found an 18-year-old woman who claimed she was fine at first, but opened up to Schaal after he used skills and techniques from CIT training.
“During their discussion, she revealed her true intentions: she had been struggling at home and in school and was planning to take her own life by waiting for an oncoming train. Through empathy, understanding, and professionalism, Sergeant Schaal convinced the woman to leave the tracks and come to the police department, where she could receive further assistance. She was later transported to a local hospital for mental health treatment.
“Approximately a week later. Segreant Schaal received a handwritten thank-you note from the woman. In the note, she thanked him for ‘treating her like a human being’ and credited him with saving her life. She noted that she had always been wary of first responders but that his kindness and compassion had changed her perspective.
“The actions of Sergeant Schaal exemplify the value and necessity of CIT Training. ,” said Sean Smoot, Chairman of the Board at ILETSB. “This program equips officers with the tools and understanding to deescalate mental health crises with care and empathy. Stories like these are a testament to the transformative nature of this training.”
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