MOUNT VERNON — In recognition of her performance, attitude, and teamwork, veteran dispatcher Heather Canter was named 2017 Dispatcher of the Year for Knox County 9-1-1.
“This award is by peer nomination, so her peers nominated her and she was chosen,” said Laura Webster, 9-1-1 operations director. “She definitely is a good asset and I was thrilled to see her get this award.”
Canter has almost 15 years of service with Knox County 9-1-1 and serves as the TAC (Terminal Agency Coordinator) officer for LEADS (Law Enforcement and Automated Data System). She is also on the tactical dispatch team and trained to serve in the emergency operations center.
The Knox County Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing Canter’s achievements.
Several other dispatchers received awards during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week which runs April 8 through April 14. The awards cover calendar year 2017.
Staci Rieman received the Above & Beyond Award, which is presented to the dispatcher who goes above and beyond to help his or her coworkers.
“This dispatcher definitely represents that, not only while she’s working, but she also comes in to help others on her off time,” said Webster. “She definitely goes above and beyond for her co-workers.”
Coming to Knox County from the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Rieman will celebrate her five-year anniversary with Knox County 9-1-1 in October.
The Shining Star Award went to Nicole Crabtree, who completed 11 years of service with Knox County 9-1-1 in March.
“The Shining Star award is for the dispatcher who had the most positive entries in our Guardian tracking system, either by myself or outside accolades,” said Webster. “Other 9-1-1 employees can also make entries.”
Beth Truex received the award for Best Attitude.
“Beth is our newest hire,” said Webster. “She’s been here almost two years and she still has a great attitude.”
Six dispatchers received the Lifesaver Award: Andy Thornton, Bailey Reed, Nick Thornton, Ronda Reynolds, Lisa Smith, and Sherry Beatty. This award recognizes the life-saving actions of the dispatcher in bringing about a positive outcome for the caller.
“The Lifesaver Award is hard to gauge because we don’t always know the outcome,” said Webster. “But this year we have six.”
A Perfect Attendance Award went to veteran John Young.
“Typically we have an attendance award, but he got perfect attendance. He didn’t miss any day,” said Webster. Young, who will observe his 10-year anniversary with Knox County 9-1-1 in July, works the midnight shift five days a week, plus overtime hours. He was recently appointed shift supervisor.
Donna Durbin and Lisa Smith received the Dedicated Years of Service Award. Durbin will achieve 25 years of service in September, and Smith will attain 20 years in July.
Knox County 9-1-1 has 18 full-time and three part-time dispatchers. Four individuals are going through pre-employment screening for part-time dispatch positions.
