Washington County 911 Celebrates Staff Excellence at Tri-State Telecommunicators Awards

Washington County’s 911 Communications Center has honored several of its team members for their outstanding contributions to public safety at the 2026 Tri-State Telecommunicators Awards Banquet, an event held in conjunction with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The annual ceremony recognizes the critical and often unseen work of telecommunicators, who serve as the vital first point of contact during emergencies, providing calm guidance and coordinating essential life-saving responses.

This year’s awards highlighted the exceptional dedication and professionalism of three individuals. Jason Kline received the Legacy Award, acknowledging over two decades of service since beginning his career in 2003. Throughout his tenure, Kline has evolved with the 911 center, progressing from a Floor Supervisor to a skilled CAD Specialist and returning to the operations floor as an ECS III. He is a trusted resource known for his strong work ethic, extensive knowledge, particularly of CAD systems, and his ongoing contributions to system improvements and operational excellence. Alan Crawford was named Supervisor of the Year, celebrated for his positive leadership and the supportive environment he cultivates for his team. Recently promoted to Operations Manager, Crawford is respected for his professionalism, willingness to assist staff, and his ability to mentor emerging leaders. Amanda was recognized as 911 Dispatcher of the Year, earning accolades for her exceptional performance, composure, and proficiency across law enforcement, fire, and EMS disciplines. As a Communications Training Officer, she has been instrumental in training new dispatchers. Her calm demeanor and precise coordination were particularly noted during critical incidents, including a multi-agency response and a fatal structure fire.

Furthermore, the Washington County Emergency Communications Team was presented with the Teamwork Award for their remarkable response during a severe weather event on April 19, 2025. Despite some team members being off-duty and attending the Tri-State Telecommunicators Banquet, an urgent call for additional staffing led to an immediate and dedicated response. Many telecommunicators traveled directly from the event back to the 911 center, navigating hazardous conditions. The team faced an unprecedented surge in call volume, handling nearly 1,000 calls in a single hour and over 1,500 calls in a five-and-a-half-hour period. Despite the overwhelming demand, they worked tirelessly to answer calls, initiate callbacks, and coordinate emergency response efforts, while also prioritizing the safety of first responders dealing with downed trees, blocked roads, and live power lines. Their ability to adapt, manage evolving conditions, and maintain clear communication was crucial in protecting both responders and the public, ensuring the residents of Washington County received the necessary support during a critical event.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government

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