Fountain Police is adding a unit to help with calls where behavioral issues are a primary factor

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Fountain Police Department (FPD) is adding a Behavioral Health Connect Unit (BHCON - pronounced Beacon).

BHCON pairs a Fountain Police Department Officer with a Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician from UCHealth Memorial Hospital to respond to emergency 911 calls determined to have a behavioral health issue as a primary factor.

BHCON 4 Unit will be partnered with our BHCON 3 Unit and the highly successful BHCON program at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The program includes a case manager who will follow up on every mental health call to ensure our citizens are aware of resources in the community.

The goal is to divert clients from jail and the Emergency Room when a behavioral health issue is a primary factor.

BHCON also allows Patrol Officers to return to normal patrol functions, while the BHCON unit is handling the client in crisis.

The new team will consist of Clinician Priscilla Pfeifer, and Officer Christopher Diriwachter

Pfeifer joined the BHCON team as a Behavioral Health Clinician Co-Responder for law enforcement. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis in mental health and trauma from the University of Denver.

Diriwatchter has been employed with The Fountain Police Department for a little over 4 years. He has about 10 years total of law enforcement experience with a background in Corrections. He currently possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is a few credits away from an Associate’s Degree in Psychology.