Dispatchers Honored For Outstanding Service

Two dispatchers at the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements by the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC).

Michelle Woods was nominated for the 2009 Telecommunicator of the Year awards program.

She was nominated by Pattie Hanon for her work on a call regarding a pursuit involving a suicidal subject. The pursuit went through the county and several local agencies were involved.

Woods received a certificate from the commission that stated, "While you were not selected to be recognized as a Telecommunicator of the Year recipient, we congratulate you on the excellent way that you handled the call for which you were nominated."

The certificate went on to state, "Your work routinely involves saving lives and property and greatly contributes to the success of the 9-1-1 program in Texas."

Renee Meredith was recognized by the commission as a Silent Hero. She also received a certificate from the commission stating, "CSEC is very pleased to acknowledge your exceptional professionalism in the field of emergency communications and to officially recognize you as a Silent Hero. You join the ranks of other 9-1-1 call takers selected this year to be recognized for outstanding job performance, exemplary attitude, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty."

Both ladies have been invited to attend a statewide appreciation luncheon to be held in Houston in August.

"I am very proud of these ladies and am very honored to call them my employees," said Van Zandt County Sheriff R.P. "Pat" Burnett.