AUBURN — At its annual meeting event on Oct. 19, Tri-County Mental Health Services conferred its two highest honors for people who do extraordinary work on behalf of people with mental illness.

The Giving Voice Award was presented to State Troopers Ricki Cote and Tyler Stevenson, with mention also of their K-9 helper Ramos. The troopers were nominated by Cassandra Linton, a TCMHS crisis worker, in connection with a specific incident in which they risked their own health and safety to intervene with a client attempting suicide.

“It is without a doubt in my mind and in my heart the dedication, determination and unselfish qualities of these troopers saved my client’s life.” Linton said. “Their extraordinary efforts gave our consumer more than a voice that night; they gave him another chance at life and did it despite the safety of their own lives.”

Cote is Crisis Intervention Team certified and also a CIT trainer who trains law enforcement personnel and first responders.

Stevenson is a member of the Maine State Police Tactical Team and his K-9 partner is Ramos.

The Inspiration Award was given to longtime employee Joan Detel, manager of TCMHS Residential Services. Chris Copeland, executive director, accepted the award on Detel’s behalf, as she was recovering from surgery and unable to attend in person.

Copeland credited her with building most of the agency’s programs for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, including community integration services, outpatient treatment and residential.

“She is a tireless advocated for the residents in our community housing unit, but also for all individuals with severe and persistent mental illness throughout the state,” he quoted from her nomination, which was submitted by staff.

The crowd of more than 130 people gave standing ovations to all the award winners.

Visit www.tcmhs.org for more information.