North Vernon officers commended for life-saving efforts during crisis

Two North Vernon police officers are being recognized for their life saving efforts during an encounter with a person having a mental health crisis last year that involved a concealed weapon.

Officer Christopher Allen received a Letter of Commendation and Officer Nathan Gibbons was presented with the Indiana Life Saving Award for their actions during incident in July of 2025.

According to the police department, officers were called to make a welfare check on the person. While alone with Gibbons, the troubled person displayed a weapon. Gibbons worked to disarm the person while Allen used distraction techniques to keep their attention.

The officers were commended for using calm professionalism, teamwork, and decisive actions to resolve the situation without any injuries and saving a life.

Photo courtesy of North Vernon Police Department.