Beyond the Badge: A First-Year Officer, a Special Needs Mom, and What It Takes

Beyond the Badge: Inside Columbus’ Care 2 Mental Health Response Unit

On this episode of Beyond the Badge, we highlight Columbus Correct Care (Care 2), Columbus’ first co-responder unit focused on mental health-related calls. The Care 2 Unit responds with a specialized van equipped with a medical triage area staffed by a fire medic and supported by a certified mental health clinician, allowing medical and behavioral health needs to be addressed together on scene. Officer Arthashika Hughes (Columbus Police Department), Fire Medic Ashley Threatt (Columbus Fire & EMS), and Michael Watson (Valley Healthcare) discuss how Care 2 combines law enforcement, EMS, and mental health services into one coordinated response. The team explains how this partnership improves crisis response, reduces strain on emergency resources, and connects individuals to care at no cost to the community. Care 2 is available for outreach, evaluations, and community resource events and can be reached at 762-822-0209. If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988. #cpdga

Beyond the Badge: A First-Year Officer, a Special Needs Mom, and What It Takes

Officer Alexandria Hicks is a first-year officer and mother of two, raising her daughter Ester Grace, who is on the autism spectrum (level three, profound) with additional health challenges. She speaks candidly about balancing the job and home life, what changed after her daughter’s diagnosis, and the support systems that helped her family stay afloat when it mattered most. The conversation addresses common misunderstandings about autism, especially during high-stress encounters, and offers practical considerations for how officers and the public can respond more effectively. She closes with encouragement for other parents and caregivers who may be walking a similar path.

Beyond the Badge (Women’s History Month): Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick

We’re closing out Women’s History Month with Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, our highest-ranking female at #TeamCPD. With more than 30 years in law enforcement, she reflects on the people who shaped her, the road to leadership, and how the conversation around mental health has changed the way officers show up for the job and for each other. She also talks about resources available for those who may be experiencing a crisis. It’s an honest look #BeyondTheBadge from someone who’s seen the job from just about every angle. #cpdga

Beyond the Badge (Women’s History Month): 911 Director Tracie Abell

As part of our Women’s History Month series, we sat down with 911 Director Tracie Abell. Just over a year into the role, she talks about leading the center, the pressure dispatchers face, and how she works to keep morale steady. We also cover the RightSite program, now in place with Columbus Fire & EMS, which helps route lower-priority calls so ambulances and fire units stay available for true emergencies. With National Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18) coming up, this episode puts a spotlight on the people behind the headset. #cpdga

Beyond the Badge (Women’s History Month): Sgt. Danielle Danforth | Violent Crimes

Sgt. Danielle Danforth doesn’t say much, but when she does, it matters. In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we talk with one of five women in our Violent Crimes Unit. She shares her Augusta roots (the real 706, as she calls it) and what keeps her grounded. We also discuss a case she inherited and ultimately solved, with her unit standing firmly behind her…proof that good police work is rarely a solo act.