Three members of the Port of San Diego’s Harbor Police Department have been honored by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) for their contributions in the field of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
Acting Assistant Police Chief Kirk Nichols, Lieutenant James Jordan and Officer Cynthia Markley of the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department all received the San Diego Regional Training Certificate of Appreciation at an awards ceremony held December 8, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Diego.
CISM is a method of helping first responders and others who have been involved with traumatic events that may emotionally or physically affect them. The ICISF is an organization that provides training and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to emergency response professions worldwide.
“The Harbor Police Department’s Peer Support Unit has been extremely instrumental with providing support and counseling during critical incidents and times of crises,” said Mark Stainbrook, Acting Chief of the Harbor Police. “I commend Assistant Chief Nichols, Lt. Jordan and Officer Markley on their outstanding work and commitment to their peers.”
Acting Assistant Chief Nichols co-founded the Harbor Police Department’s Peer Support Unit in 2004 following the unrelated off-duty deaths of three Harbor Police officers. He was a sergeant at the time and received training in Basic Peer Support/Group Crisis Intervention. Along with his co-chair, Officer Jared Osselaer, they developed the framework for the Harbor Police Department’s Peer Support Unit. The unit now has 14 officers who have attended CISM trainings and have assisted the Harbor Police Department during critical incidents. The team is also able to provide support to all Port employees, their families and members of the community during critical incidents such as natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, deaths and other traumatic events.
Lt. Jordan, a 28-year veteran officer, has been part of the Peer Support Unit since 2010. Since then, he has been involved in leading the Harbor Police Department’s Peer Support Unit by offering CISM training, Peer Support techniques and emotional support to officers and Peer Support Unit members. Lt. Jordan has been instrumental in integrating the use of CISM and Critical Incident Debriefings as standard protocol for the Harbor Police Department.
Officer Markley is a 31-year veteran police officer. She was an active volunteer for the City of Chula Vista’s Citizen’s Adversity Support Team and joined the Harbor Police Peer Support Unit in 2009, after a tragic boating accident in San Diego Bay that resulted in the death of a young boy. She continued to train in CISM and provide one-on-one peer support and crisis intervention, as well as regular participation in Critical Incident Stress Debriefings for Harbor Police officers and dispatchers. Officer Markley retired from the Harbor Police Department on December 7, 2017.
About the Harbor Police:
On behalf of Port Public Safety, the San Diego Harbor Police Department is at the front line of security and service for the San Diego Bay and surrounding tidelands. They work in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security and local law enforcement agencies to ensure safety for visitors and residents. Patrolling our coast, marine terminals, tidelands and airport, they deter and prevent crimes like smuggling, terrorism and human trafficking. Harbor Police provides protection on the ground for San Diego International Airport, including the use of explosive and narcotic detecting K-9 officers. Their specialized expertise also extends to the sea and air with marine firefighting, and dive and aviation security teams, working together to make our region safer.
About the Port of San Diego:
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.