Resolution 08-10
Authority Member ______________ moved approval of the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION HONORING LINDA SIMMONS AS THE TELECOMMUNICATOR OF THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2008.
WHEREAS, the El Paso – Teller Emergency Telephone Service Authority was created to provide a two-county wide E9-1-1 system; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Authority wished to recognize outstanding call takers and dispatchers within the system through the Telecommunicator of the Quarter and Telecommunicator of the Year; and
WHEREAS, On October 15, 2007, after his mother falls unconscious a young boy rushes to the telephone and carefully dials 9-1-1. He listens attentively to the call taker, answering each of her questions so that help can be dispatched. While rescuers are on the way he follows the call taker’s instructions, opening and monitoring his mother’s airway and caring for his three younger siblings. Thousands of children, just like this young boy, know what to do in an emergency because they participated in a 911 education program at their school or community event. Linda Simmons, a dispatcher with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, manages this program, which has proven repeatedly to help bring favorable outcomes to often serious medical situations.
WHEREAS, Linda has been the driving force in the 9-1-1 education program for much of her career. She is a dedicated professional who always seeks innovative means to educate our community. She is responsible for coordinating and scheduling personnel for 9-1-1 education shows and presentations at local schools, fire departments, and community events. In addition, she oversees the 9-1-1 Hero Award program within EPSO. This program recognizes the positive actions of children who call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Linda MC’s the award events and is responsible for creating award citations, ordering the awards, and coordinating the presentations with the Sheriff. She acts as the program liaison between the Sheriff, schools, parents and the media. Doing what can to make the event “extra special”, Linda even takes it upon herself to bake special 9-1-1 cookies for the Hero presentations.
WHEREAS, Linda has scheduled and personally attended many of the forty-one events that the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center sponsored during 2007. In 2005, Linda assumed responsibility as the point of contact for contributions of stuffed
RESOLUTION: 08-10
animals for sick children. The program, initiated by the Sheriff’s Office Communications Section, is known as the “The Berry Merry Christmas at Memorial Hospital.” The Walk for Juvenile Diabetes and The Buddy Walk are some of the other community events that Linda regularly participates in with the 9-1-1 education program. However, Linda’s dedication to the profession does not end there. Linda has served the citizens of El Paso County for 11 years. She is a skilled professional in her call taking and dispatching abilities. She has worked many high profile events over the years, providing call taking and dispatching for police, fire and medical situations. She is a member of the Tactical Dispatch Unit, and she is recognized as one of the top trainers in our center. Linda can always be counted on to provide quality care for members of the community and our responders. Safety and welfare are always her top priorities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
The El Paso – Teller County Enhanced 9-1-1 Authority honors Linda Simmons as Telecommunicator of the Second Quarter, 2008.
Authority Member________________seconded the adoption of the foregoing resolution. The roll having been called, the vote was as follows:
Authority Member: Beahan aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Carey aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Gibson aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Gower aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Grayson aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Silloway aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Weller aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Woodward aye/nay/not present/abstain
Authority Member: Zani aye/nay/not present/abstain
Done the 23rd day of July 2008 at Colorado Springs, Colorado.
El Paso-Teller County
Enhanced 9-1-1 Authority
(SEAL)
____________________ ______________________
Robert Weller, Chairman Michel Gower, Secretary