Welcome to Lake Michigan College
Certificate Programs in Partnership with Zschool
Continue your education, advance your career, and make an impact! In today's economy, learning new skills is not only encouraged but also necessary to set yourself apart. Lake Michigan College provides forward-thinking, professional training to meet evolving corporate demands. Give yourself a competitive edge by enrolling in innovative programs led by industry professionals. Gain real-world knowledge and applicable strategies to drive results - today and in the future.
Quick Facts
Online
Enjoy the convenience of self-paced learning as you complete hands-on exercises and interactive discussions with your peers.
Length
In just 4 hours, gain practical skills and insights through a streamlined, engaging learning experience enriched by peer-to-peer interaction.
Instructors
There's no substitute for learning from the best! Benefit from top industry experts who are highly respected leaders in their field.
Certificate
Elevate your skills, make a lasting impact, and showcase your achievement with a well-deserved certificate.
Learn more below about the programs offered. To register, click here.
Operational Readiness for Corrections: Opioid Use Disorder Certificate Program
Equipping Correctional Officers & Facility Staff with Practical Skills to Respond to Opioid Use Disorder & Co-occurring Conditions
As a corrections professional, you face the ongoing challenges of managing individuals who may struggle with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions while maintaining order, safety, and security. This four-hour, online, self-paced course is designed specifically for correctional officers, supervisors, and facility staff to strengthen your ability to respond safely, effectively, and professionally to OUD-related incidents within custody settings.
Learn proven strategies for de-escalation, recognizing signs of OUD, reducing risk, and connecting individuals to appropriate care and recovery resources.
About the Program
This course prepares correctional professionals to confidently address the reality of the opioid crisis inside corrections facilities. With opioid-related incidents increasing nationwide, correctional staff must be equipped with practical, trauma-informed strategies that support both safety and rehabilitation.
Across four focused modules, you’ll explore:
- OUD fundamentals
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Overdose prevention and response
- Legal considerations
- De-escalation tactics designed for correctional settings
By applying the CARE approach – Calm the Scene, Assess Behavior and Intent, Respond with Empathy and Structure, Engage Support and Follow Up – you’ll learn to manage high-stress encounters more effectively, strengthen communication, and foster a safer, more stable facility environment.
Enroll in the Operational Readiness for Corrections: OUD Program Today!
4 Modules Online ($450 Per Person)
Start anytime with flexible, self-paced learning.
Includes your Course Workbook and all course materials.
Engage in scenario-based exercises and real-world applications.
Earn your Certificate of Completion in just 4 hours.
Program Curriculum
Each module builds essential skills for handling OUD-related incidents and behavioral health challenges in custody.
Using the CARE framework as a guide:
- Calm the scene and lower tensions
- Assess behavior and intent
- Respond with empathy and structure
- Engage support and follow up
This course delivers real-world, actionable techniques for calming volatile situations, communicating with empathy and professionalism, and supporting recovery-based responses within the correctional environment.
Included is the Operational Readiness for Corrections: OUD Power-Pack, featuring:
- Course workbook
- Scenario-based exercises
- eBooks
- Posters
- Quick-reference guides
- Templates
These materials are designed to reinforce learning and support everyday practice long after course completion.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Recognize signs of OUD and co-occurring mental health conditions among individuals in custody.
- Understand how behavioral health challenges impact safety, stability, and rehabilitation.
- Respond effectively to overdose and withdrawal emergencies within a facility.
- Apply trauma-informed communication and de-escalation strategies appropriate for correctional settings.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to connect individuals to treatment and recovery resources.
- Develop a CARE-based action plan for safe, structured crisis response.
Module 1 – Calm: Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions Behind the Walls
Gain a clear understanding of OUD and the unique challenges it presents in custody. Learn how co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD influence behavior and how early recognition can prevent escalation.
Module 2 – Assess: Recognizing Risk & Reading Behavior
Sharpen your skills in recognizing the physical and behavioral signs of opioid use disorder and withdrawal. Practice assessing situations more clearly and avoiding common misinterpretations that can lead to unnecessary confrontation.
Learn practical techniques to slow situations down, use observational skills effectively, and make safer, more informed decisions in the moment.
Module 3 – Respond: Best Practices for Facility Collaboration
Explore why communication can make the difference between escalation and resolution. Learn how tone, body language, and instructions shape outcomes in high-stress situations.
Discover one of the biggest traps officers face – power struggles – and apply calm, clarity, and leadership in practice.
Module 4 – Engage: Practical Application & Resource Utilization
Learn how to take CARE one step further by engaging support, ensuring continuity of care, and strengthening the culture of your team.
Focus on when and how to involve medical, mental health, or reentry specialists, and why what happens after a crisis matters just as much as what happens during it.
Learn how CARE extends beyond individuals in crisis and also applies to your colleagues and facility culture.
Get Your Team Started Today!
Help your correctional team build the confidence and readiness to manage one of the most critical issues facing facilities today. This training gives officers and staff the tools to maintain safety, foster professionalism, and support recovery-centered approaches that improve both individual and organizational outcomes.
Program Instructors & Content Experts
The faculty and content advisors for this course are leading experts in corrections, behavioral health, and crisis intervention. Their experience in training, policy development, and on-the-ground response ensures that every module is relevant, realistic, and immediately applicable.
Together, they’ll help you enhance your skills, strengthen your response, and make a meaningful impact within your facility.
Jane Sachs
Faculty Chair
Director of Training Services (Ret.), Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services
Jane Sachs is a seasoned correctional leader with more than 46 years of distinguished public service in corrections, training, and reentry. Most recently, she served as the Director of Training Services for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, overseeing training for more than 12,000 staff across 19 prisons, pre-trial facilities, and parole and probation divisions.
Her leadership extended globally through a 10-year partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, delivering correctional training to more than 20 countries.
Jane holds a B.A. from The American University.
Jack Kavanagh
Director, Department of Corrections, Howard County
Jack Kavanagh brings more than 40 years of correctional leadership experience. Prior to serving Howard County, he spent 24 years with the Maryland Division of Correction, holding leadership roles including Warden, Assistant Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner.
He is widely respected for his work in operational leadership, corrections reform, ethics, and systems improvement.
Morgan Pickering
Owner/CPS-MH/CPC-Public Safety
Morgan Pickering is a nationally recognized educator, peer counselor, and trauma-informed care specialist supporting law enforcement, EMS, fire, and veteran communities.
She specializes in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, PTSD, harm reduction, and trauma-informed response strategies.
Dan Lasher
Correctional Administrator
Daniel Lasher has more than 35 years of corrections experience, including 30 years in administrative leadership. His background also includes service as a firefighter and EMT.
He has served in leadership positions across numerous correctional and justice organizations throughout Maryland.
Michael D. Branham
Maricopa County Constable (Arrowhead Precinct) / Presiding Constable, Maricopa County, Arizona
Michael Branham is a nationally respected public safety executive and educator with more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, juvenile justice, and public sector leadership.
He has led major organizational reforms focused on reducing recidivism, improving culture, and advancing public safety innovation.
Contact Us
Take the next step today. Schedule a call with our program manager to explore how an exclusive training portal can be set up to benefit your entire department.
Equip your team with the tools to respond to the opioid crisis safely and effectively while supporting individuals in crisis.
Jodi Sporn
Program Manager
Email: jsporn@zschool.com
Phone: 888.562.7175
Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD Program
Equipping Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, & Associated Teams with Practical Skills to Respond to OUD & Co-occurring Conditions
As a first responder, you’re on the front lines of the opioid crisis – often arriving at the scene before anyone else. This four-hour, online, self-paced course is designed specifically for firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and crisis intervention teams to provide the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively, safely, and compassionately to individuals experiencing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring Mental Health (MH) or Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
Gain real-world strategies to de-escalate crises, apply life-saving interventions, support individuals in crisis, and collaborate with local treatment and recovery resources.
About the Program
This course is designed to prepare first responders to confidently navigate the challenges of the opioid crisis and related behavioral health emergencies. With opioid-related incidents on the rise, responders must be equipped with trauma-informed strategies to provide care under pressure.
Across four comprehensive modules, you’ll explore:
- OUD basics
- The intersection of mental health and substance use
- The use of Naloxone
- Legal considerations
- De-escalation tactics
- Best practices for community collaboration
With a focus on safety, compassion, and resource engagement, this course will empower you to support individuals with OUD and save lives while building trust within your community.
Enroll in the Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD Program Today!
4 Modules Online ($450 Per Person)
Start today with convenient self-paced learning.
Includes your Course Workbook and all course materials.
Enjoy hands-on projects and interactive discussions.
Earn your Certificate of Completion in just 4 hours.
Program Curriculum
Each module introduces key concepts such as the CARE approach:
- Calm the Situation
- Assess for Danger
- Respond with Empathy
- Engage Resources
This practical model gives first responders step-by-step guidance for managing opioid-related calls, including medical response, communication techniques, and referral strategies.
Realistic case studies, field-tested practices, and downloadable tools ensure skills can be quickly applied on the job.
Included is the Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD Power-Pack, featuring:
- Course workbook
- Scenario-based exercises
- eBooks
- Posters
- Resource guides
- Templates
These resources provide essential tools that can be used long after the course is complete.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Recognize signs of OUD and its common co-occurring conditions.
- Understand how mental health disorders impact crisis response and recovery.
- Respond effectively to opioid overdose emergencies using Naloxone.
- Apply trauma-informed communication and de-escalation techniques in the field.
- Identify your legal responsibilities, including rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Collaborate with local and national resources to support treatment and recovery.
- Develop an action plan for safe, compassionate crisis response.
Module 1 – Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions
Build foundational knowledge about OUD, its causes, and its impact. Explore the role of co-occurring conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and how they affect response efforts in the field.
Learn to recognize the behavioral and physical signs of distress and addiction.
Module 2 – Recognizing & Responding to OUD
Dive into real-world de-escalation techniques, communication strategies, and effective responses to overdose emergencies.
This module emphasizes safety, non-verbal cues, and verbal techniques to calm and support individuals in crisis.
Module 3 – Best Practices for Field Collaboration
Explore how to work effectively with local partners, including behavioral health teams, emergency departments, and treatment centers.
Learn how to navigate referrals, build resource networks, and apply harm reduction principles during response efforts.
Module 4 – Real-World Application & Resource Utilization
Apply your knowledge in scenario-based simulations that mirror real field calls.
Practice using the CARE approach and your crisis intervention toolkit to create action plans that ensure safety, connection to care, and long-term support for individuals in crisis.
Get Your Team Started Today!
Prepare your crew to face one of the most pressing challenges in public safety. This training gives firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and crisis intervention team members the confidence, tools, and knowledge needed to de-escalate crises, support recovery, and protect both individuals and communities.
Give your team the advantage of compassion-based response, resource coordination, and operational readiness.
Program Instructors & Content Experts
The faculty serving as content advisors and instructors are recognized experts in emergency response, behavioral health, crisis intervention, and public safety leadership.
Through teaching, curriculum development, operational leadership, and field experience, they bring a unique combination of practical skills, innovation, and real-world expertise.
William "Bil" Rosen
EMS Manager
Neptune Township EMS
Bil Rosen oversees clinical and operational EMS planning, response, and treatment while leading teams focused on emergency preparedness and tactical medical response.
With more than 40 years of experience, he has served as a Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic, EMS educator, and Deputy EMS Coordinator for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office/Office of Emergency Management.
He also serves with the New Jersey EMS Task Force, specializing in mass care and warm-zone medical response.
Dr. Jason Demas
Division Chief of Training
Aurora Fire Department
Dr. Jason Demas brings more than 30 years of fire service experience and currently leads training initiatives for the Aurora Fire Department in Illinois.
A dedicated educator and national speaker, he specializes in curriculum development, emergency management, firefighter wellness, and operational readiness.
He holds a Doctorate in Higher Education and Administration and is a certified Executive Fire Officer and Chief Fire Officer.
Dawn N. Peake, M.S.
Co-Founder, Training Consultant
Innovative Training Solutions LLC
Dawn N. Peake is an accomplished educator and training consultant with more than 15 years of experience in instructional leadership and curriculum development.
She develops lesson plans and e-learning modules for nonprofit organizations and law enforcement agencies with a focus on supporting individuals with disabilities in the criminal justice system.
Dawn also serves as a Training Officer and Curriculum Specialist with the Baltimore City Police Department.
Edward G. Hargis
Owner & President
Code 5 Solutions, LLC
Edward G. Hargis is a highly experienced law enforcement and crisis management professional specializing in security, threat assessment, and crisis management consulting.
He previously served as Chief of Police in Frederick, Maryland; Portsmouth, Virginia; and Camden, New Jersey, where he led major public safety initiatives and critical incident response efforts.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he has extensive expertise in emergency operations, SWAT leadership, incident command, and counterterrorism coordination.
Contact Us
Take the next step today. Schedule a call with our program manager to explore how an exclusive training portal can be set up to benefit your entire department.
Equip your team with the tools to respond to the opioid crisis safely and effectively while supporting individuals in crisis.
Jodi Sporn
Program Manager
Email: jsporn@zschool.com
Phone: 888.562.7175
Effective Strategies & Practical Techniques for Addressing OUD & Co-occurring Conditions
Police officers are often the first to encounter individuals in crisis, making it crucial to equip them with the right knowledge and tools to respond safely and effectively. The Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Program is designed to give you practical strategies to manage challenges posed by the opioid crisis and handle interactions with individuals affected by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring Substance Use Disorders (SUD) or Mental Health (MH) conditions. Learn to de-escalate crises, connect individuals to needed resources, and minimize risks to both you and the community.
About the Program
This course is designed to prepare law enforcement officers to effectively handle crises involving OUD and related mental health conditions. With the opioid epidemic posing significant challenges for public safety, officers need the tools to respond with empathy, safety, and precision.
Through four comprehensive modules, this course covers:
- The complexities of OUD
- The use of Naloxone
- The impact of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Legal considerations
- Best practices for de-escalation
The goal is to equip officers with practical strategies to manage these crises safely while building trust with individuals in need.
Ultimately, this course is aimed at improving officer-community relations by fostering trust and reducing the stigma around addiction. By focusing on harm reduction and non-punitive approaches, officers will be better positioned to support individuals with OUD, reduce the risk of escalation, and strengthen community ties through compassionate, effective interventions.
Enroll in the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Program Today!
4 Modules Online ($450 per Officer)
Start today with convenient self-paced learning.
Includes your course workbook and all course materials.
Enjoy hands-on projects and interactive discussions.
Earn your Certificate of Completion in just 4 hours.
Program Curriculum
Each module introduces key concepts such as the CARE approach:
- Calm the Situation
- Assess for Danger
- Respond with Empathy
- Engage Resources
This practical framework helps officers assess and manage high-risk situations, apply verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, and connect individuals to appropriate care services. The course also includes real-world case studies and scenario-based exercises that reinforce these skills in action.
Included with the course is the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Power-Pack. This toolkit includes:
- Program workbook with lesson guides and discussion topics
- E-books
- Templates
- Reference posters
- Referral network guide
These resources ensure officers have quick access to important information and can continue building their skills beyond the course itself.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD and understand its impact on individuals and communities.
- Understand the role of co-occurring mental health conditions in complicating OUD treatment and response efforts.
- Respond to an opioid overdose emergency and properly administer Naloxone.
- Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage crises involving individuals with OUD.
- Navigate legal considerations related to OUD response, including ADA protections.
- Utilize community resources and mental health services to provide ongoing support and care.
- Document crisis interventions effectively to reduce liability and protect all parties involved.
Module 1 – Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions
Gain an in-depth understanding of OUD and common co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Learn to recognize behavioral and physical signs of OUD and explore best practices for identifying individuals at risk.
Module 2 – Recognizing & Responding to OUD
Learn the tools and techniques necessary to recognize and respond to individuals experiencing crises related to OUD. This module emphasizes de-escalation strategies that prioritize officer and public safety while helping individuals receive appropriate care.
Module 3 – Best Practices for Field Collaboration
Learn how to collaborate with healthcare providers, treatment centers, and community resources to ensure individuals receive appropriate care. This module focuses on harm reduction principles, field collaboration, and building strong partnerships with local and state resources.
Module 4 – Real-World Application & Resource Utilization
Apply everything you’ve learned through scenario-based exercises designed to simulate real-world OUD-related crises. You will practice the CARE approach, de-escalation techniques, collaboration skills, and referral processes while developing a Crisis Intervention Action Plan.
Get Your Team Started Today!
Prepare your department for the challenges posed by the opioid crisis. This comprehensive training equips officers with the critical skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively respond to individuals in crisis while strengthening community relationships.
Program Instructors & Content Experts
The faculty serving as content advisors and instructors are recognized experts in law enforcement, crisis response, instructional leadership, and public safety training.
Thomas B. Smith, M.S.
Sergeant – Crisis Response Team, Baltimore City Police Department
Thomas B. Smith is a seasoned law enforcement professional with more than 20 years of experience. As Co-Founder and Training Consultant at Innovative Training Solutions LLC, he develops e-learning modules and lesson plans focused on public safety and disability support.
Dawn N. Peake, M.S.
Co-Founder, Training Consultant, Innovative Training Solutions LLC
Dawn N. Peake is an educator and instructional leader with extensive experience designing curriculum and training programs for law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Martin Bartness
Senior Principal, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
Martin Bartness retired from the Baltimore Police Department as Lt. Colonel/Deputy Chief of Patrol after 25 years of service. He has extensive experience in police reform initiatives, crisis response, and officer training.
Greg Weber
Police Chief (Ret.), Eden Prairie Police Department
Greg Weber served more than 31 years in law enforcement and held numerous leadership positions before becoming chief of police in 2018.
Seth Glass
Detective, Austin Police Department
Detective Seth Glass specializes in organized crime investigations, narcotics, gangs, and violent crime operations. He is also an experienced instructor in undercover operations.
Mike Fickel
Detective, Austin Police Department
Detective Mike Fickel has more than 19 years of law enforcement experience and specializes in narcotics investigations and overdose-related cases involving fentanyl.
Contact Us
Take the next step today. Schedule a call with our program managers to explore how an exclusive training portal can support your department.
Lauren Mastroianni
Program Manager
Email: lmastroianni@zschool.com
Phone: 908.370.5299
Rebecca Austin
Program Manager
Email: raustin@zschool.com
Phone: 908.448.6999
How to Apply
Ready to get started?
Connect with us! Request more information or apply today, and we'll send you everything you need to begin your journey at LMC.