Boone Co. Sheriff's Office Announces Formation of Veteran Response Team

A specialized unit designed to support veterans in crisis through compassionate, veteran-centered care.

(Boone County, Ky.) - The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the formation of a Veteran Response Team (VRT) – a specialized unit designed to support veterans in crisis through compassionate, veteran-centered care.

The VRT initiative was launched after our Police Social Workers (PSWs) were approached about a potential collaboration between our veteran deputies and the Cincinnati VA’s Deflection Team. Sheriff Hill quickly embraced the collaboration and, through his command staff, authorized the planning process.

To prepare the team, a Blue Carpet Tour was organized at the Cincinnati VA, providing VRT deputies with a comprehensive overview of the full array of VA services available to veterans in the field. In addition, the VRT will have access to specific VA provided resources in the to assist with crisis response and support.

A comprehensive training day was recently hosted for VRT deputies, featuring VA experts who presented on critical topics, including:

• Veteran suicide prevention
• Peer support
• Substance use
• PTSD
• Homelessness
• Justice-involved veterans

This Veteran Response Team is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is comprised of Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputies who will leverage their shared military experience to build rapport, de-escalate situations, and connect veterans directly to VA resources. This partnership ensures a coordinated response focused on safety, stabilization, and access to care.