TestimonialVIF

I live with bipolar disorder, and because of past negative interactions, law enforcement has always been a source of fear

for me. Even when nothing was wrong, the idea of police involvement made my chest tighten. So when I learned that VIF

was coming to my town about three years ago, I signed up right away. It felt like a quiet act of self-protection—hoping I’d never

need it, but grateful it existed.

About a year and a half ago, I learned just how important that decision was. In the middle of the night, my daughter woke me up.

She was scared—someone was knocking on her bedroom window. My heart was already racing when I opened the front door and saw

four police officers standing there. I was instantly anxious. My mind went to all the worst-case scenarios. But instead of rushing or escalating,

they paused. They spoke to me like a human being. They found small points of connection and built rapport quickly,

intentionally—just enough to help me breathe and trust them. That moment mattered more than they’ll probably ever know.

They explained they were there for a welfare check on someone in the house. What I didn’t know then was that a mental-health crisis was

unfolding—one that could have ended very differently. The officers entered the home, and together with EMTs, they saved her life.

Because of that response, she received the care she needed and today she is doing well. That still takes my breath away to say.

I am profoundly grateful that VIF was in place. I honestly don’t know what would have happened if the officers hadn’t taken that

extra minute with me—if fear had gotten in the way, or if trust hadn’t been built so quickly. That minute opened the

door—literally and emotionally—to lifesaving help. VIF, the police, EMTs, and our family all played a role in saving her life.

Because of this program, compassion led the way instead of fear. And because of that, someone I love is still here.

Steve P.