Winters Public Safety Crisis Intervention Team members Chaplain Robert Duvall and K-9 Kepi were recognized as First Responders of the Year at Kaiser Permanente’s 2019 First Responders Appreciation Ceremony on Nov. 20. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is something first responders may experience while out in the field and the team provides support to them after experiencing a trauma or crisis event. Duvall and K-9 Kepi serve as an immediate resource to law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel. They are also available to Winters residents during times of trauma, and serve all of Yolo and Solano counties. Duvall and K-9 Kepi are volunteers and will provide service to any agency at no cost. Dan Freeman, Emergency Department Manager at the Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center, said it was an honor to present K-9 Kepi and Duvall with a first responder award. “When we see K-9 officer Kepi and Officer Robert Duvall in our Emergency Department they are a welcome sight, but it usually means a tragic event has happened. Together, they provide crisis intervention assistance to first responders, hospital staff and victims in times of emotional need,” said Freeman. “Both Officer Duvall and Kepi routinely visit departments and develop relationships with staff, getting to know people during their normal day-to-day operations so that they can learn to detect high levels of stress and anxiety, something Kepi is drawn to. It’s amazing to watch people kneeling, petting, kissing, and crying on Kepi, while talking with Robert. The stress melts away and this allows our providers to come to work and provide excellent care, empathy, and compassion to those who need it. What people remember during a crisis may not be the actual care that they received, but who they talked to, what was said, and how they felt. Kepi’s unconditional love and compassion has been there for people during some very rough times.” For more information or to contribute to the Crisis Intervention Team contact Duvall at 530-795-2261, ext. 146 or by email at robert.duvall@winterspolice.org.]]>
K-9 Kepi and Duvall honored as First Responders of the Year
Chaplain Robert Duvall and K-9 Kepi were recognized as First Responders of the Year.
