Portsmouth Lt. Josh Justice Named CIT Officer of the Year at Regional First Responders Wellness Conference

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Portsmouth, Ohio — Lieutenant Josh Justice of the Portsmouth Police Department has been recognized as CIT Officer of the Year for his exemplary work in crisis intervention. The honor was presented during the 2nd Annual 1st Responder Wellness Conference hosted by Shawnee Family Health Center on May 26, 2026, in Portsmouth.

The award highlights Lt. Justice’s dedication to responding effectively and compassionately to individuals experiencing mental health crises. CIT, or Crisis Intervention Team, training equips officers with specialized skills in de-escalation, mental health awareness, and connecting people to appropriate resources.

Conference Focuses on First Responder Wellness

The event brought together first responders from Adams, Lawrence, and Scioto counties for sessions on wellness topics including sleep, nutrition, fitness, peer support, resiliency, and behavioral health. It also featured the CIT Award Ceremony, recognizing officers who go above and beyond in serving their communities during challenging situations.

A photo from the ceremony shows Lt. Justice accepting his certificate alongside a representative from the organizing team. Portsmouth Police Department shared the recognition on social media, noting the award was presented “yesterday at the local First Responders Wellness Conference.”

Local Impact in Southern Ohio

Scioto County and neighboring communities in southern Ohio, including Ross County and surrounding areas, benefit from officers trained in crisis intervention. These skills help improve outcomes for residents facing mental health challenges while supporting officer safety and community trust.

Lt. Justice serves as 1st Shift Commander with the Portsmouth Police Department. His recognition reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to professional development and community-centered policing.

Portsmouth Police Chief and department leadership extended congratulations to Lt. Justice for this well-deserved honor.

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