FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — To ensure first responders give those in need the most compassion possible, Valley Health Care is offering CIT training free of cost to first responders in north central West Virginia.

CIT, or Crisis Intervention Training, is a 40-hour, week-long program hosted by first responders for first responders, designed to provide alternative methods for handling people in times of crisis.

Brian Sharp, president and CEO of Valley Health Care, told 12 News how he's heard first responders use methods from their training in action and why it's so essential.

"They'll join with the person, the person will say 'oh this person cares about me' and if you feel like the person on the other side of law from you, or the other side of the fire department cares about you and they're t

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