April 10, 2008
Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS HONORED BY COUNTY COUNCIL 

They provide a vital link between citizens and public safety responders and play a key role in dispatching resources to in-progress police, fire and medical calls. Yet public safety telecommunicators are accustomed to working in a high-stress environment, largely behind-the-scenes with little or no fanfare. On Thursday, the Volusia County Council along with Sheriff Ben Johnson took time out to recognize telecommunicators around the county for their contributions to the public safety of the community. “What a great job they all do and how proud of them we all are,” Sheriff Johnson said during a ceremony Thursday morning in DeLand. “That’s the hardest job in law enforcement.” 

On Thursday, the Council passed a resolution declaring April 13-19 to be recognized as Telecommunicators Week in Volusia County. The weeklong recognition is designed to show appreciation for public safety telecommunicators and the tough and demanding work they do each and every day on the job. The public’s first point of contact during a problem or public safety crisis, telecommunicators are responsible for fielding emergency calls from citizens, obtaining critical information -- sometimes in life-or-death situations -- and then dispatching public safety officers to quickly respond. Thursday’s ceremony also was an opportunity to recognize four telecommunicators from around the county who were selected by their peers as the best in their agencies during 2007. “Congratulations to each and every one of you,” County Council Chair Frank Bruno told the assembled honorees. “Thanks for keeping us safe.” 

Meanwhile, Sheriff Johnson not only praised the difficult and challenging work that telecommunicators face while trying to elicit information from emotional 911 callers in the throes of an emergency. He also commended the various 911 call centers around the county for their professional cooperation in serving the public. “They do a great job. All the different centers do,” said Sheriff Johnson. “If one center has a problem, the other ones pick up the slack. We’re very proud of everything that they do.” The four honorees and the agencies they represent were as follows: 

Lisa Landers        City of Deltona Fire Communications

Venza McGregor  Regional Public Safety  
                           Communications Center

Dan Peppel          Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

Jeffrey Tichenor    Ponce Inlet Police Department