NEWS

DAVIDSON, NC – Each year, the Mecklenburg County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) shines a spotlight on the remarkable work of frontline responders who support individuals suffering mental health crises. This year, Davidson Police Chief Philip Geiger and Detective Rachel Thornton were honored. The Crisis Intervention Team is a community partnership between law enforcement, behavioral healthcare professionals, and individuals and family members impacted by mental illness, substance use disorder, or intellectual and developmental disabilities, to improve community response to behavioral health crises. CIT focuses on improving the crisis response system, advocating for needed services, training first responders, and strengthening partnerships across the community.

Chief Philip Geiger Awarded the 2025 Dan Brown Leadership Award

Chief Philip Geiger exemplifies exceptional leadership through his unwavering commitment to the development, wellness, and professionalism of the Davidson Police Department. Phil brings a calm, team-oriented approach to leadership grounded in discipline, perseverance, and integrity. He is a passionate advocate for officer wellness and mental health, championing initiatives like the CIT model, Co-Responder program, and wellness efforts. Through regular communication, check-ins, and open recognition of staff contributions, he ensures that every member of the department feels supported and valued. Phil’s leadership is marked by empathy, humility, and strength—whether guiding his team through a crisis, mentoring future leaders, or balancing his role as a dedicated father of young children. He holds high expectations for how officers serve both each other and the community, while creating a culture of trust, support, and respect. His vision and dedication to holistic well-being make a lasting impact and position him as an ideal recipient of the Dan Johnson Leadership Award.

Detective Rachel Thornton Awarded the 2025 CIT Officer of the Year

Detective Rachel Thornton understands that every encounter with someone during a crisis is an opportunity to plant a seed for future healing. Over her 15 years in law enforcement supporting the most vulnerable, Detective Thornton utilizes her CIT skills remaining present, actively listening, showing empathy and connecting individuals in distress to relevant resources. In her department she mentors officers on how to apply CIT skills; emphasizing how those skills can make the worst day of someone’s life more tolerable. Upon obtaining her law enforcement General Instructor’s Certification, she advised that the first lesson plan would be on supporting officers to continue to use their CIT skills. She recently received the following note: “Dear Detective Thornton, I want to thank you for your time, dedication, and compassion you showed while working on my case. Your genuine care made a world of difference in the decision I made and the strength I realized I had. Knowing you and your team truly cared about my safety gave me the strength and reassurance when I needed it the most. I will always be grateful for the work you do and the respect you gave me along with your patience.”

Click here for a list of all of the award winners who have played a key role in our community by helping local people in mental health crises. That includes helping them find treatment options, implementing crisis intervention programs, using response strategies, and more.

“Thank you to the 2025 Crisis Intervention Team award recipients for your work to promote and protect mental health and safety in our community,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Public Health director. “With your help and commitment to the CIT program, we are better able to respond to mental health crises in Mecklenburg County.”

Additionally, the Mecklenburg County CIT program was certified by CIT International as a Platinum accredited program, making it one of seven nationally, and the only one in North Carolina to receive this prestigious status. The Davidson Police Department is a proud partner of the Mecklenburg County CIT program