The Owensboro police officer who talked down a distraught woman from the top of a downtown building has been recognized by the CIT, or Crisis Intervention Team. CIT is a program designed to enhance the response to those suffering from mental illness. The program teaches the necessary skills needed to keep the officer and the consumer safe during interactions, and to make certain that those in crisis receive the appropriate care. Annual awards are given for the CIT Officer of the Year for various regions across Kentucky. An Owensboro Police Department member was the award recipient for the River Valley Behavioral Health six county region during this year’s CIT banquet held in Bowling Green. Officer Rick Latanzio responded recently to a call about a female who was suicidal on a building on 2nd Street. After nearly 30 minutes of contact with the female, Officer Latanzio was able to gain her trust and talked her to safety.