Portsmouth officers proved once again that their job goes far beyond fighting crime when they stepped in to assist a family in crisis on Grant Street early in the morning.
Just before 7 a.m., a frightened caller reported a domestic dispute, claiming a man was armed with a knife—but that the weapon had already been taken from him.
When officers arrived, they found the man hadn’t threatened anyone but was in the midst of a mental health crisis. He still had a knife strapped to his pants, but rather than making an arrest, officers recognized that what he really needed was help, not handcuffs.
They called for an ambulance, and Portsmouth Fire Department medics transported the man to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment. But their work didn’t stop there—officers also made sure a juvenile in the home got to school safely, giving them a ride to ensure their day wouldn’t be disrupted.
This incident is just another example of how first responders often wear many hats—peacemakers, crisis counselors, and community caregivers—all while keeping the city safe.
