WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) this week joined Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Lou Correa (D-CA) to introduce the bipartisan Supporting Every at-Risk Veteran in Critical Emergencies (SERVICE) Act.
Nearly 20 percent of U.S. law enforcement has served in the military. The bill would create a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Justice that would provide grants to law enforcement agencies for creation of local veteran response teams – teams of military veteran law enforcement officers that respond to other veterans in crisis or emergency. Once the emergency is under control, the response team will work further with the veteran to connect them with public and private partner resources to create long-term solutions and care.
The SERVICE Act was inspired by the Cincinnati Police Department's (CPD) “Military Liaison Group” created by Sergeant Dave Corlett. This is the only group of its kind in the United States and currently responds to calls all over the Midwest. Upon the initiation of the CPD's Military Liaison Group, Sgt. Corlett had the goal to make the tool nationwide for law enforcement to help veterans in need. The SERVICE Act, if passed, would create a federal grant pilot program that would expand the program nationwide.
“Veterans represent the very best of America, and we must bring every available resource to bear to care for them when their service has ended,” said Rep. Meijer. “We know that veterans in crisis respond best to other veterans, and as a veteran myself, I am proud to partner in this innovative effort to support our heroes when they need help most.”
The Grand Rapids Police Department supports the legislation.
“The men and women of the Grand Rapids Police Department wholeheartedly support this measure and thank Congressman Meijer and the other sponsors for seeing to it that those who have sacrificed so much for our country are served and protected. We would gladly welcome the opportunity to receive additional training and education to help those in times of need who have worked tirelessly to protect us all.” – Sergeant Dan Adams, Public Information Officer, Grand Rapids Police Department
Original source can be found here.
