By Karen Robes Meeks
The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation recently lauded Port of San Diego’s Harbor Police Department’s Acting Assistant Police Chief Kirk Nichols, Lieutenant James Jordan and Officer Cynthia Markley for their work in Critical Incident Stress Management.In 2004, Nichols co-established the Harbor Police Department’s Peer Support Unit after the unrelated off-duty deaths of three Harbor Police officers.
Jordan, who has been part of the Peer Support Unit since 2010, has been instrumental in incorporating the use of Critical Incident Stress Management and Critical Incident Debriefings as the department’s standard protocol.
Markley, who retired in 2017 after 31 years as a police officer, volunteers for Chula Vista’s Citizen’s Adversity Support Team and has been part of Harbor Police Peer Support Unit since 2009.
“The Harbor Police Department’s Peer Support Unit has been extremely instrumental with providing support and counseling during critical incidents and times of crises,” said Mark Stainbrook, Acting Chief of the Harbor Police. “I commend Assistant Chief Nichols, Lt. Jordan and Officer Markley on their outstanding work and commitment to their peers.”