Individual of the Year: Mike Butler

Chief, Longmont Public Safety

Chief Butler has initiated several programs to address the mental health needs of his community. The Edge Program pairs mental health professionals with Longmont police to reduce ER visits and jail time. The Angel Program enables people with substance use disorders to relinquish drugs and/or paraphernalia to the Public Safety Center without fear of arrest or legal consequences. Angel volunteers help participants obtain shelter and connect them with treatment providers. Each Sunday, Chief Butler and his volunteer team walk local at-risk neighborhoods to promote safety and link residents with resources. Chief Butler also helped Longmont win a grant to provide emergency mental health training to community residents.