30-01-2025
Community Response Team deputy recognized alongside team of dogs
DOUGLAS COUNTY (KDVR) — Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zach Zepeski calls his job the best job he has ever worked. He's with the Community Response Team for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
'Anyone who is in distress the first number they call is 91,1 and usually the cops are the first ones there,' said Zepeski.
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In 2017 the DCSO Community Response Team began. It started with one deputy and one clinician. Now there are nine teams throughout the county. Deputy Zepeski says that is a good thing.
'A lot of people don't really know how to access the mental health treatment that they need. After we talk to them and we determine what resources would be best for them. We continue to help them on the back end so they don't fall into distress again,' said Zepeski.
At the Highlands Ranch substation, you will find Zepeski and 12 other members of the CRT — make that 13. That would be Olive the golden retriever. She is a CRT therapy dog.
'She is here to help us comfort children,' said Zepeski. Children, adults, victims of crime and even those who commit certain crimes can benefit from the CRT.
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Recognizing and helping people get emotional support through a crisis is what Zepeski does. That's why he is this month's Support the Shield recipient.
'That is really cool. Thank you so much to whoever put me in for it. My son is going to think this is the coolest thing ever,' said Zepeski.
Deputy Zach Zepeski gets the award, and Olive gets a snack.
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