ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- It’s never easy to help someone who is suffering from a crisis, but thanks to special training, dozens of local police officers now know how to assist.

Nearly 30 local officers representing departments in Loves Park, Rockford, and even NIU got their crisis intervention training certificates today. The emergency responders learned about different types of mental illnesses , substance abuse, and how to better handle crisis situations, training some officers say, is invaluable.

“I believe that patrol officers are compassionate, and it does, go hand in hand with being a patrol officers, but it only enhances our compassion,” said Michelle Krebs, a Rockford Patrol Officer.

About 230 local officers have completed the program since it started back in 2004.