Each year the second week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as Telecommunications Officers. In October 1991 Congress made a Formal Proclamation to recognize this week as National Telecommunicator’s Week.
Those who perform telecommunications duties serve as an indispensable link between the responders and the public. The Communications Officers who provide radio, telephone and computer services are to be commended for their dedication and professionalism. Too often the importance of telecommunications personnel goes unrecognized and their services are taken for granted.
They are the first point of contact with the public’s plea for assistance. While one call may be just a request with a simple answer, the next call may be the most extreme emergency anyone could face. On every call they have to be prepared for the unexpected and at times the unimaginable.
It takes a special type of person to remain calm when speaking to a screaming mother whose child is hurt, or when a Police Officer or Fire Fighter is calling for assistance or when someone that they know is on the other end of the emergency call.
This year to honor the Gordon County Communications Officers a banquet was held in their honor. Voted Telecommunicators of the Year for 2016 was Misty Ross and Cory Hayes. The Horizon Award winner was Kinslea Otting. Cory Hayes received the Merit Award. Misty Ross was recognized for 5 years of service. The Call of the Year went to Rick O’Mahony, Lynn Gogan, Angela Williams, Tabitha Davis and Misty Ross.
The 9-1-1 staff also recognized responders from other public safety agencies for their help and support. Gordon Sheriff’s Dept. Russ Jones, Calhoun Police Dept. James Stanfield, Fairmount Police Dept. Michael Lackey, Gordon Fire Dept. Ellis Payne, Calhoun Fire Dept. Michael Young and EMS Mark Bramblett.
The employees at Gordon County E9-1-1 would like to thank the following whose contributions made the week very special:
Gordon County Sheriff’s Dept., Calhoun Police Dept., Gordon County Fire Dept., Gordon EMS, The Dog House, Pets R Us, Fringe Salon, Goodyear, Stroll and Shine, Race Trac, Hannah’s Nails, Home Depot, Zaxbys, Jonsies, Chick Fil A, Kroger, Walmart, Krispy Kream, Donut Castle, Corner Drugs, Donut Castle, Piggly Wiggly,
H&R Calhoun, Gordon County Garage Doors, Simply Southern Restaurant, Longhorn Steak House, The Flower Cottage, Williams Communications, LifeForce, Murray County E9-1-1,Mr. Bud Owens.