Creation of new crisis response director position in Geauga County is great idea

It’s always nice when offices and agencies that serve the public can work together on developing more ways to help people in need.

So we were pleased to learn that the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Geauga Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, has launched a new crisis response director position.

Tracy Jordan, who has served as the victim advocate at the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years, will be stepping into the new role, The News-Herald’s William Tilton reported. The crisis response director’s position is designed to offer immediate, compassionate support to individuals and families facing trauma from the aftermath of an overdose, suicide or other critical incidents.

It serves as a bridge between first-response and long-term mental health and recovery services.

Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand said the department often encounters people on the worst day of their lives and this program ensures they don’t just walk away once the immediate crisis is over.

“It’s about meeting people where they are, whether at the scene or in the days that follow, and making sure they don’t fall through the cracks,” Hildenbrand said. “This partnership blends public safety with mental health expertise, and we couldn’t have done it without the board’s support. They’ve helped shape this role and continue to provide vital resources and guidance.”

Jordan said she is very excited to be taking on this new position, which is more than just a job to her.

“I’ve learned that a crisis doesn’t look the same for everyone,” Jordan said. “But what people need most in those moments is the same someone who shows up, listens and helps them take their next step. We’re seeing more complex trauma, more mental health struggles and more families affected by addiction, suicide and violence. The needs are greater and more urgent than ever.

“I knew I couldn’t keep doing things the way we always had,” she added. “I had to grow, to adapt, to find new ways to serve. That’s why I’m so passionate about this role. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifeline. It means we can show up faster, stay longer and walk with people after everyone else has gone home. It means no one has to go through the worst moments of their life alone.”

This new position will help connect individuals and families to critical services, including treatment, peer support and grief resources. It complements a growing network of crisis teams in Geauga County, each with a unique focus, but united in mission:

The Geauga Sheriff’s Local Outreach Supporting Survivors Team offers emotional support following traumatic 911 calls.

The Quick Response Team engages individuals within 72 hours of an overdose.

The Geauga Crisis Team provides crisis response in schools and workplace settings.

FiRST focuses on the wellness and support of first responders.

The Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team is mobilized for large-scale disasters.

Christine Lakomiak, executive director of the Geauga Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, said providing long-term benefits for those in need is key, as opposed to being just a one-time option.

“Our teams don’t just show up once — we follow up and connect people to help, healing and hope,” Lakomiak said. “These initiatives are all part of a beautiful safety net we are weaving throughout Geauga County, designed to catch individuals during their most critical times. This new position is an exciting addition, uniting law enforcement, mental health services and recovery efforts to strengthen our community together and uplift those in need.”

In 22 years as the victim advocate at the sheriff’s office, Jordan said she has responded to thousands of calls for domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide, overdoses, fatal crashes and some of the hardest moments in people’s lives.

“This isn’t about enforcement, it’s about compassion,” Jordan said. “It’s about standing beside someone, not above them. After 22 years, I truly believe that when we work together, we can make sure no one falls through the cracks.”

“I’ve sat with grieving parents, comforted victims at crime scenes, and walked with survivors through the court process,” she added. “You don’t stay in this work unless it means something to you. For me, it’s never just been a job, it’s been a calling.”

Jordan has completed extensive training in trauma response, grief support, crisis intervention and victim advocacy. She has worked side-by-side with law enforcement, mental health professionals and community organizations to create a web of care for people in crisis.

The News-Herald applauds the collaborative effort that went into creating the new crisis response director position. It’s a decision that truly has the potential to provide meaningful assistance to people in the aftermath of traumatic circumstances.