When a call is placed to 911, the voices that answer are guiding lights in more ways than one. In people’s darkest times, these voices organize for help to arrive and shine hope for those desperate to receive that aid.
On Monday, April 14, as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the dedicated dispatchers of Union County E-911 – those whose voices operate calmly in the background of local emergencies – were brought to the forefront and celebrated.
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“It’s a good day to save lives,” stated the handmade display on the front board of the 911 Center. Like a quilt, its block was one of a number of inspiring and humorous quotes and pictures – all handmade and put together by the dispatchers themselves to mark the occasion.
The timing of emergencies waits for nothing, so some of the dispatchers stepped away to take calls throughout the course of the evening. Still, everyone earned recognition for the heart they put into work that is more than just a job.
Union County Fire Chief and 911 Director David Dyer helped Lt. Millie Baxter open the proceedings.
“The way you do your job and how well you do your job really does make a big difference in how we (first responders) do our job,” Dyer said, voicing his appreciation.
A few special guests were present, too, and readily echoed Dyer’s sentiment that Union County’s dispatchers are a special breed.
Sheriff Shawn Dyer, as a fellow first responder, had some insight into the inner workings of emergency response: “Our office really appreciates what y’all do. Trust me, they know that you’re our lifeline.”
Firefighter Travis Gibson spoke on behalf of the Fire Department, saying his fellow firemen appreciate everything 911 does to help and the fact that they all have each other’s backs.
Sole Commissioner Harold Collins was earnest but quick to voice his own admiration of the E-911 crew.
“I’m really proud of y’all,” Collins began, growing emotional. “I didn’t really know what went on (here) until I took office … I thank y’all for it.”
Some guests even brought gifts. Daniel and Deanna Webster, owners of Young’s Wrecker Service, presented each dispatcher a black windbreaker decorated with “Union County 911 Dispatcher” on the sleeve and “The Calm Voice in the Darkness” on the breast.
Residents Art and Debbie Miller provided handmade flower planters filled with colorful rock roses to welcome spring, courtesy of Doug Smith’s Doug Builds Stuff. The Millers are known to attend the appreciation event annually.
“(We’re) real supportive,” noted Art, himself a former first responder. “We just wanted to say thank you as residents.”
Union General Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer Julia Barnett brought the dispatchers personalized cookies and an inspirational word, thanking them for their role in keeping residents safe.
“Please know that we understand what a huge part of our health care system you guys are,” Barnett said, grateful especially for E-911’s training in over-the-phone CPR assessment and guidance. “Thank you so much for what you do.”
In the presence of good company, the next stage of the night involved a quick sit-down for a meal catered by Sicily’s. Through it all, the dispatchers and guests shared laughter and memories with friends before reconvening to recognize each individual dispatcher.
That said, Sgt. Lynn Powell was surprised by being named Employee of the Year. With her longstanding service to the community and plenty of time spent training newbies, Baxter and Dyer agree that Powell has made a positive impact on the whole department.
“I’ve been through a lot of people here, and this is a great bunch we have now,” said Powell, who was met with cheers and applause. “There’s no one better than anybody else in my opinion.”
One of the final gifts of the evening was a cash donation to each dispatcher by an anonymous donor, which further softened heightened emotions before Dispatcher Maggie Guerrier shared a slideshow that showcased some of the department’s best moments over the past couple years.
“I want to say how much I appreciate everybody. Y’all are my family,” Baxter said in closing, tears in her eyes and love in her voice. “I couldn’t be more proud of this bunch. I’ve worked here a long time, and I’ve never had a family like I have now.”
