Four Hendricks County Communications Center (HCCC) dispatchers were recently rewarded for being the “calm voice on the other side of the phone” during an emergency 9-1-1 call that involved a child. Each year, the Indiana NENA and APCO Telecommunicators Conference recognizes several individuals during the opening ceremony for their outstanding service in public safety. Out of 10 calls recognized, HCCC dispatchers took home first through fourth placements.
“Many don’t realize Communications Officers are truly the first line of defense in any emergency situation. The Hendricks County Communications Center taking home the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes at the INNENA Conference just proves we have some of the best dispatchers in the state right in our backyard,” says Town of Plainfield Council President, Robin Brandgard.
Communications Officer, Elizabeth Mills, is the dispatcher who took home first place for the Child Hero’s call. In the selected call, Mills was able to help a 10-year old girl stay calm and follow proper procedures when her mom passed out while driving. The “calm voice on the other side of the phone” is captured in this seven-minute phone call.
Erin Miller, Greg O’Brien and Dawn Veirs were the other dispatchers recognized for their impressive Child Hero phone calls. Each caller was able to meet the officer on the other side of the call and were rewarded with gift cards.
“The month of April was 9-1-1 Education Month, and it has been a success recognizing our staff and the thankless job they do day in and day out,” says Communications Director for HCCC, Steve Cook. “This was just icing on the cake, and it is motivation to keep being the best dispatchers we can be for our community. We owe it to them.”
