For Additional Information:
Laura Rinehart, Public Information Officer
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
Laura.Rinehart@loudoun.gov or 571-233-1649
or
Kraig Troxell, Media Relations & Communications Manager
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Kraig.Troxell@loudoun.gov or 703-771-5278
For Immediate Release:
2018 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Celebrated
The week of April 8th through April 14th, 2018 has officially been recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue along with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Loudoun County Department of Animal Services join public safety agencies across the country to honor the work of public safety communications professionals.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International and annually honors the men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency crews and equipment, and render lifesaving assistance to the citizens of the United States.
Across the nation in times of personal crisis and community-wide disasters, the first access point for those seeking emergency services is 9-1-1. Those answering these urgent calls gather essential information, dispatch the appropriate help, provide moral support and often make the difference in life and death situations.
“Loudoun’s Public Safety Telecommunicators are the heart of public safety and the positive first link between residents and first responders during an emergency situation,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “Morning, noon and night, they take our calls for service in a capable and professional manner and it is a privilege to have such outstanding professionals serve Loudoun County.”
“Aside from the professionalism, quick thinking and technical skills that Loudoun’s Telecommunicators demonstrate, they maintain a high degree of care and compassion when dealing with the residents and visitors of Loudoun County, said Acting System Chief Keith Johnson. “It is these traits, in addition to their ability to stay calm during a crisis, which make them the true first responders and heroes.”
On Tuesday, April 3rd, Supervisor Saines and Chair Phyllis Randall presented the official Proclamation to members of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County’s Department of Animal Services. By formally recognizing these public safety professionals, Loudoun County hopes to raise public awareness of the critical role that these life-saving specialists accomplish behind the scenes when help is needed.
Each year several Telecommunication personnel from both Fire and Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office are annually recognized for their service. Congratulations to the following awardees:
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Telecommunicator of the Year - Toni Fowler
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Supervisor/CTO of the Year - Blair Forrester
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Communications Achievement Award - Casey Jo Charles & Jerri DaCosta
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicator of the year (Dayshift) - Ron Kauffmann Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicator of the year (Evenings) - Jeffrey Kish
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicator of the year (Midnights) - Miranda Freeman
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