Crisis intervention is often truly a matter of life and death. It requires a precise strategy, a calm approach and the ability to make smart, quick decisions. The goal of this urgent interaction is always to help the person experiencing crisis to receive timely and skillful support to avoid physical or emotional tragedy. Simply put, it’s a critical, high-performance job for those first responders leading this much-needed task.

Detective Mark Cherry has served as a Crisis Intervention Officer with the Sedalia Police Department for the past seven years. He has gained a superlative reputation for not only handling crisis situations, but also for training officers in how to de-escalate potentially dangerous moments.

Cherry began his career of public service in the United States Air Force in 1988, where he worked patrol, criminal investigation and training. He then became a First Sergeant and was responsible for the morale, welfare and discipline of all Airman within the unit.

Cherry is a representative on the State of Missouri CIT Council, which focuses on the health and safety of communities across the state. He also is a Use of Force instructor, providing training for his department, as well as other local agencies and police academies. In addition, he is part of the Crime Resolution Unit that proactively targets problem issues or criminals who that could potentially negatively impact the community.

Because of his impactful service to his country, his state and his community, Detective Cherry has been selected as a “Blue KC Hometown Hero.” The honor is awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City in partnership with the Kansas City Royals. He will be recognized at the Royals’ game on Friday, August 13.

Photo courtesy the Sedalia Police Department.