Mount Vernon Police Department honored by LAW Publications

MOUNT VERNON – LAW Publications recognized the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) for its work in implementing two programs, one focused on specialized training and the other introducing a therapy dog to the community.

Law Publications is a leader in education materials for drug, alcohol, violence and personal safety.

“The outstanding work of the Mount Vernon Police Department has not gone unnoticed, as seen by LAW Publications’ recognition of both of these programs,” Police Chief Robert Morgan said, according to a city press release. “This recognition serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the officers and staff of the department in providing exceptional service to the community.”

The specialized training program was implemented three years ago. It helps officers through a scenario-based format to provide practical and realistic situations that can be analyzed and improved upon.

Lt. R.A. Young, who manages the program and leads the instruction, began building it after extensive research and through his continuing education. The program focuses on officer response to rapidly changing scenarios and environments. This training has been crucial in helping officers respond to high-risk situations, as well as for de-escalation methods for a safer outcome for all involved.

The MVPD’s therapy dog program uses a canine assigned to School Resource Officer (SRO) Jeremiah Armstrong. Daily visits to local schools feature Nova. Nova is specially trained to work with individuals who have experienced trauma or high levels of stress, such as crime victims or children in difficult situations.

LAW Publications honored the police department with its Community Impact Award in 2021 and honored Armstrong and Nova for their work, and for the PAK (Police and Kids) United program.

Young is a decorated veteran and law enforcement officer with a career spanning more than two decades. He served in the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan before working as a contractor for the Defense Security Service. Later, he attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy before becoming a member of the MVPD in 2008. In addition, he has served as a SWAT commander and later as team leader. He was promoted to Emergency Service Unit commander in 2020, making him responsible for leading the team during high-risk situations.

Armstrong’s career also spans more than two decades, starting with the Marion Police Department in 2003. In 2014, Armstrong was assigned a temporary position as an SRO, which turned into a full-time position a year later.