Garfield hosts second training for first responders

GARFIELD — The Garfield City Council offers local city council members and first responders the opportunity to attend a training on rural sex trafficking in the area on Friday, Oct. 27, at the Garfield Community Center, 1st and California Street, from 8-11 a.m.

The council is inviting Fire, Police, and First responders from Oakesdale, Rosalia, Palouse, Colfax, Tekoa, Farmington, and Viola.

The Friday training will be geared toward a rural population, said Coordinator and Garfield City Council member Roni Mundell, “Police officers have said they’ve had this training, and it’s been geared towards metropolitan areas,” Mundell said.

Mundell said that first responders would learn how to identify flags that indicate possible human trafficking, discuss common terms and practices for dealing with victims of human trafficking, and go over what to look for and how to speak with victims.

Other aspects of the training include detailing who to call if they locate someone who is a victim of Human Trafficking and contrasting the differences between adult and juvenile trafficking.

There to present will be licensed clinical social worker Paula Barthlmess, who has been involved in human trafficking outreach to victims and educating rural community members in Idaho for over seven years. Barthelmess has a non-profit business, Community Outreach Behavioral Services, and will present with police detective Chad Benson, who has fourteen years of experience as a Law Enforcement Officer.

Benson holds an Associate of Science degree from Salt Lake Community College and an Advanced Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Certificate.

The presenters will also be present at the community training for those interested in recognizing and being aware of human sex trafficking in the local area at the Community Center on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 6-8 p.m.

Both trainings require an RSVP to ensure there’s enough seating. To RSVP, call the town of Garfield at (509)- 635-1604 or email [email protected].