Last week, we celebrated the invaluable public safety service and expertise of our Grand Junction Regional Communication Center emergency communications specialists during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. During the week, several awards were handed out for superior performance.
2020 Trainee of the Year: Austin Bennett
Being a trainee is a very challenging position, and it takes a lot of dedication and determination to complete the training program. Austin’s teammates say, “Austin is so good at his job and encouraging. He has a teachable spirit and is eager to learn. He is a team player and always willing to help out. Austin has exceptional performance and a consistently good attitude.”
2020 Communications Training Officer of the Year: Dany Searcy
Being a trainer is one of the hardest positions in the center, and it takes a lot of dedication and determination to guide trainees through the training process. Dany’s teammates say, “Through all the pain and personal life stuff, Dany is able to assist the room and always puts emergency responder safety first. She goes above and beyond to help each trainee she works with. Dany has an encouraging and cheerful approach.”
2020 Telecommunicator of the Year: Kirstyn Marmet
This dedicated individual provides comfort and reassurance to those in need, competent dispatching to our field responders, and serves as the calm amidst the chaos of emergency calls. They upholds the mission, vision, and values of Grand Junction Regional Communication Center. They are an example of what an employee and teammate should be: dedicated, honest, hardworking, dependable, and competent. Kirstyn’s teammates say, “Kirstyn is the most helpful, kind, and supportive person. She helps talk through all kinds of situations. She is always willing to help anyone in the room, whether a veteran or a newbie. She understands that this job requires all of us to help and is always the first to do so.”
2020 Supervisor of the Year: Laura Gavin
Being a supervisor takes a special kind of person, one with a servant leader’s heart as well as a mind for policy and a genuine caring for those around them. Laura’s teammates say, “Laura is supportive and has a helpful attitude. She strives to make a difference and makes our voices heard! Though she can be strict, she truly knows her stuff! Feeling truly supported by your supervisor even on a personal level is comforting. Thank you for treating us well without losing your role.”
“Dispatchers, callers, and field responders share brief moments in time. It is often these precious minutes that mean the difference between life or death for someone who is loved, cared about, respected,” says Jennifer Kirkland, GJRCC Manager. “Everyone involved is forever changed by these minutes, because all are so deeply invested in the outcome.”
Please join us in congratulating these, and ALL of the dedicated employees of the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center! Their service saves lives.
