Lt Durand Coltrane of Suffolk Fire and Rescue received the CIT Fire/EMS provider of the year award at this year’s 2024 CIT Coalition annual conference in Roanoke, Virginia.
LT Coltrane is a CIT instructor with our Western Tidewater program and was nominated by Shelley Shelton CIT Coordinator for this award. Staci M Young, LPC and Director of Acute Care Crisis Services at Western Tidewater CSB had the privilege as a CIT Coalition board member to present this award to him on behalf of the Statewide CIT Coalition. Staci says, “It was a wonderful conference and being able to present this statewide award to him was a pure highlight.” Scroll down to read Staci’s full speech!
It’s a pleasure to recognize and honor someone truly remarkable from our CIT family at Western Tidewater. Today, we are here to celebrate Lieutenant Durand Coltrane, who has been named our CIT Fire/EMS Official of the Year.
Lieutenant Coltrane has been a dedicated presence in our program, bringing commitment, expertise, and a heart for service that is truly inspiring. Lt Coltrane attended the 40-hour class and quickly realized he wanted to become an instructor. Since joining CIT, he’s become more than just an attendee or participant—he’s a leader, instructor, mentor, and an advocate who embodies the very principles we strive to uphold. Lieutenant Coltrane has shown that CIT isn’t just something to learn and set aside; it’s a resource he continuously utilizes in his work in the field.
Through his commitment, Lieutenant Coltrane has not only enhanced his own skills but has been instrumental in bridging the gap between emergency response and mental health support. He understands that being a responder is about more than arriving on the scene. It’s about arriving with compassion, knowledge, and the right tools to de-escalate situations providing comfort and safety to everyone involved. His actions in the field are a testament to this, he frequently draws on CIT techniques and principles, making a meaningful difference on each call he answers.
His success story (In his words)
This was my very first CIT call after completing the 40-hour training class. At the time, I was serving as the EMS Supervisor. Around 1:00 PM, a call came in about an adult female experiencing a mental health crisis. I decided to respond, announcing over the radio that EMS 1 (my position) would be heading to the scene for a possible CIT intervention. A colleague, Brooke, who was working in dispatch at the time (also a CIT instructor with WTCSB), sent me an encouraging message: “Go get ’em!”
Upon arriving at the scene, I saw about five fire personnel inside the residence, three of whom were gathered around the individual, trying to convince her to take her vitals and put on her shoes so she could go with the medics to get help. Three police officers from the Suffolk PD were also present. I stood back and observed for a moment. The woman wasn’t speaking; she was staring at the floor, completely disengaged.
Before stepping in, I quickly reviewed the CIT Four-Play card that was provided at my training to refresh myself. I then asked the crew if I could speak to her for a moment. As I approached, I applied all four plays right away. I gently placed my hand on her shoulder and asked if she would put on her shoes and if she was ready to go get some help. To everyone’s surprise, she agreed. I walked her out to the ambulance, introduced her to the attending medic (AIC), and assured her that she was in good hands.
This was before we had access to the MARC 1 program (MARCUS Alert co-response program), so she was transported to a local hospital. Afterward, the lieutenant and the fire crew approached me and asked, “What did you say?” I explained the four plays from my CIT training. They were amazed, saying, “We tried everything, and she wouldn’t even speak or look at us. But you got her to put on her shoes and walk out with you.”
Later, the AIC who transported her echoed their sentiment, expressing his surprise as well. I felt proud that my first CIT intervention was a success, and it reinforced for me the power of the techniques I had just learned.
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This award is just a symbol of our appreciation for the countless hours, the dedication, and the passion Lieutenant Coltrane has shown. He has set an outstanding example not only for his peers in Fire and EMS but also for everyone within the CIT program and beyond. He reminds us that when it comes to responding to those in crisis, every action and decision matters, and that it is indeed possible to approach every situation with both strength and empathy.
Lieutenant Coltrane, we thank you for your service, your commitment, and for PROVING that CIT isn’t just a program but a mission worth dedicating oneself to. Congratulations on being named our CIT Fire/EMS Official of the Year—you have earned it, and we are all better for your contributions. Thank you.