For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1200053 |
| Date Issued: | Apr 12, 2012 - 1:55pm |
|
|
|
Washoe Sheriff Dispatcher Receives National Honor for Efforts to Evacuate VP Biden during Wildfires |
|
| CONTACT: | |
Additional Contact: Marty Querzoli, Davies Murphy Group, pr@ravemobilesafety.com or (781) 418-2433
Reno, Nv. Washoe County Sheriff's Office dispatcher Karen Stout was honored today by Smart Telecommunications for her role in assisting with the evacuation of United States Vice President Joe Biden during the recent Washoe Drive wildfire.
Last month, 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers (telecommunicators) from across the U.S. were nominated by peers to receive recognition for leadership, performance and overall contributions to their agencies. The general public reviewed 20 finalists online and thousands voted to determine a national winner as well as 4 regional honorees.
The Smart Telecommunicator Awards are conducted by Rave Mobile Safety's Smart911 in partnership with the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT).
Karen Stout was named the Western US Regional Honoree for her efforts during a shift in which Stout handled calls about a large wildfire, accompanied by winds in excess of 50 MPH that kicked off spot fires throughout the area.
At the same time, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was speaking at a local high school. The telecommunicator's deft dispatching skills are credited with managing the prompt evacuation of the Vice President and ensuring public safety during the Washoe Drive fires.
"I am very proud of Karen's actions. She exemplifies the professionalism and excellent communication skills our dispatchers display each and every day." said Sheriff Mike Haley.
In addition to the Award, Smart911 will donate $500 in Stout's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a charity of her choosing. "Our goal is to honor telecommunicators for their skills and detail the crucial services that this profession provides," said Tom Axbey, chief executive officer of Rave Mobile Safety. "Karen's response to this situation illustrates the fast-action and composure required to effectively deal with diverse emergency situations."
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.
Attached audio files...