BEACON Project Begins in Springfield

The Springfield Fire Department and City of Springfield have officially launched the BEACON Project, a new initiative aimed at improving the community’s response to mental health, substance use and opioid-related emergencies.

BEACON, which stands for Bridging Emergency And Community Outreach Network, connects the Springfield Fire Department with local behavioral health partners to create a more coordinated crisis response system.

Mayor Misty Buscher joined Springfield Fire Department leadership and members of the BEACON team at Fire Station 6 to mark the launch and introduce Rescue 1, the fire department apparatus that will respond to BEACON calls.

The initiative is designed to provide people experiencing behavioral health or substance use-related crises with an appropriate response while connecting them with available resources and services.

Rescue 1 will serve as a mobile response and stabilization vehicle for the BEACON team. The specially equipped vehicle provides a dedicated space for team members to engage with individuals experiencing a behavioral health emergency in the community.

“This is an important step forward for Springfield as we put this significant investment into action,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “BEACON brings together public safety and behavioral health partners to address challenges affecting families and communities across our city. We are proud to put these resources to work for the people of Springfield.”

Fire Chief Nick Zummo said the program gives emergency responders another option when assisting people in crisis.

“Rescue 1 gives us another tool to better serve people in our community,” said Fire Chief Nick Zummo. “We know every 911 call is different, and sometimes the best answer is not simply taking someone to the emergency room. This gives our crews the time and resources to look at the whole situation, figure out what that person actually needs, and get them connected to the right help.”

The BEACON Project is funded through the City of Springfield’s allocation of national opioid settlement dollars. The funding supports efforts to address the impacts of substance use, strengthen behavioral health resources and improve how residents experiencing a crisis are connected with care and support.

With Rescue 1 now officially in service, the BEACON team will begin using the vehicle as part of its community response.