Fiona Purcell - Supporting Communities Through Co-Responder Programs

SUMMARY:

In this episode of TLC Connections, we speak with Fiona Purcell, a licensed counselor embedded with the Plymouth Township Police Department through The Lincoln Center’s co-responder partnership. Fiona shares what it’s like to navigate the intersection of mental health and public safety—working side by side with officers to respond to crises, support residents, and build stronger community trust.

From connecting unhoused and elderly residents with critical services to helping individuals access addiction treatment, Fiona’s work demonstrates how collaboration can transform outcomes for both citizens and first responders. She also discusses how trust is built over time with officers, how compassion and humor play a role in her daily work, and why co-responder programs are reshaping the future of community polici ...