Council Members
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Sgt. Jason Hinkle
Lenexa Police Department Council Chairman Sergeant Jason Hinkle joined the Kansas Crisis Intervention Team Council in 2017. He began his law enforcement career in 2000 and has been with the Lenexa Police Department since 2007. Sgt Hinkle has worked as a police officer, field training officer, tactical team operator, directed patrol officer, narcotics investigator, and as a general assignment detective. Currently, he is a patrol field supervisor and CIT Coordinator. Rob MacDougall, LMSW
Johnson County Mental Health Vice Council Chairman Rob MacDougall is the Director of Emergency Services at Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) and joined the Kansas Law Enforcement CIT Council in 2016. For the past seventeen years, Rob has performed various clinical and leadership roles for JCMHC. His current responsibilities include the Mental Health and Law Enforcement Co-Responder Team, Open Access Team, Mobile Crisis Response Team, and a ten bed crisis respite facility. Michelle Burchyett, LCP
Johnson County Mental Health Council Secretary Michelle Burchyett joined the Kansas Crisis Intervention Team Council in 2011. She has been with Johnson County Mental Health for 17 years and is currently the team leader for their Mobile Crisis Response Team. This team answers the Mental Health Emergency line during business hours and partners with law enforcement to outreach individuals in the community experiencing a mental health crisis. Wayne Vennard
Mental Health Advocate Council Treasurer Wayne Vennard joined the CIT council in 2010 and is serving as treasurer. Wayne has an extensive background in mental health issues. He served on the Johnson County Mental Health Center board of directors for nine years and was chair for three terms. Wayne is also currently a member of the Lakemary Center board of directors. Lakemary serves individuals with mental and physical challenges. Letitia Ferwalt
Johnson County District Attorney's Office Letitia Ferwalt joined the Kansas Crisis Intervention Team Council in 2009. She has been with the Johnson County Kansas District Attorney's office since 2001 and is the Diversion Coordinator supervising the Care & Treatment Unit as well as the Criminal, Traffic, and Mental Health Diversion Programs. Serving on the Family Panel at CIT, she also gives presentations about her experience parenting a son with mental illness. |
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Deputy Ryan Ellis
Johnson County Sheriff's Office Dep. Ellis has been a Deputy with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office since May of 2012. He is currently assigned in detention where he works in the male special management module, specifically working with inmates dealing with mental health issues. He has worked as a training officer and teaches a behavior management and crisis intervention class at the Sheriff's Office Basic Academy. Dep. Ellis also received certification to teach Mental Health First Aid (USA). He has been a member of the Crisis Intervention Team Law Enforcement Council since April 2017. |
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Howard Snyder
Mental Health Advocate Howard Snyder is the father of a son who suffered from mental illness for 27 years. He served on the Governing Board of the Johnson County Mental Health Center for 24 years. He has been part of the Kansas Law Enforcement CIT Council for 13 years. Howard has been active with support groups for families and friends of persons with mental illness for 33 years. |
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Sgt. Robert McKeirnan
Olathe Police Department Sergeant Robert McKeirnan joined the Kansas Crisis Intervention Team Council in 2016. He has been an officer with the Olathe Police Department since 2009 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Division. During his time with Olathe, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Police Explorer Supervisor, Field Training Officer, and CIT Unit Officer. Sergeant McKeirnan has worked closely with the Olathe Police Department Mental Health Co-Responder as the program has been implemented and continues to evolve. |
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Sgt. Tom Lynch
Shawnee Police Department Sergeant Tom Lynch joined the KS Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team Council in 2015. He has been a police officer for 21 years, 17 of them with the Shawnee Police Department. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2003. In his time with the city of Shawnee Tom has served as a patrol officer, FTO, D.A.R.E. officer, Crisis Negotiator, and as a supervisor in Patrol in both Investigations and Patrol. |
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Officer Justin Shepherd
Overland Park Police Department Officer Justin Shepherd joined the KS Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team Council in 2018. He has been a police officer for 12 years with the Overland Park Police Department. In his time with Overland Park, he has served as a patrol officer, Field Training Officer (FTO), COPPS officer, School Resource Officer (SRO), and currently as the CIT Coordinator. |
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Sierra Wright
Johnson County Mental Health Sierra Wright is a Team Leader for Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC). Sierra and her team specialize in providing mental health services for youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system. Sierra joined the Kansas Law Enforcement CIT council in 2018. |
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Officer Tommie Eisenhut Leawood Police Department Officer Tommie Eisenhut joined the Kansas Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team Council in 2019. He has served over 2 years with the Leawood Police Department in the Patrol Division. |