Clarksville Police Department Hires Second Wellness Counselor

Katie Kastle joins the department through a Department of Justice COPS grant.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Clarksville Police Department (CPD) has hired a second full-time wellness counselor, Katie Kastle, who joined the department on January 26th, 2026. Kastle's position was made possible after CPD received a second grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) in October 2025 through the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program.

Why it matters

The grant allows the department to expand support for the mental and emotional well-being of its employees and their families, which is essential for maintaining a healthy, resilient, and effective team committed to serving the Clarksville community.

The details

Kastle joins Joshua Forbess, who was hired in January 2023 as CPD's first full-time counselor following the creation of this support initiative in 2022. With Kastle's addition, CPD strengthens its ability to support the mental, emotional, and overall well-being of its workforce.

  • Kastle joined the department on January 26th, 2026.
  • CPD received a second grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) in October 2025.

The players

Clarksville Police Department (CPD)

The local police department in Clarksville, Tennessee that has hired a second full-time wellness counselor.

Katie Kastle

A U.S. Army National Guard veteran from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who has joined the Clarksville Police Department as a full-time wellness counselor.

Joshua Forbess

CPD's first full-time counselor who was hired in January 2023 following the creation of the department's wellness program initiative in 2022.

Ty Burdine

The Chief of the Clarksville Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Our people are our greatest asset. Law enforcement is a demanding profession, and the Wellness Program provides our officers, staff, and their families access to the resources they need to care for their mental and emotional health. It helps our officers strive to be the best version of themselves while serving the citizens of Clarksville. By fostering this environment, we equip our personnel to stay strong, healthy, and ready to serve our community.”

— Ty Burdine, Chief (clarksvilleonline.com)

“Your well-being is the priority. Life was never meant to be navigated alone. Therapy gives you the chance to pause, reflect, and regain your footing—with someone alongside you to shine a light into the darkest corners.”

— Katie Kastle, Wellness Counselor (clarksvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The department plans to continue expanding its wellness program and support services for officers and their families in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Clarksville Police Department's commitment to the mental and emotional well-being of its workforce through the hiring of a second full-time wellness counselor demonstrates its dedication to fostering a healthy, resilient, and effective team to serve the community.