Recognition: Dispatchers honored for hard work, dedication during critical incidents

PHOTO PROVIDED The Clinton County Department of Emergency Services recognized members of its 9-1-1 Communication Center for assisting during an infant cardiac arrest incident in August. Pictured, from left, are Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, dispatchers Aiden May, Kirsten McAndrew and Derek Hoover, and DES Director Jonathon Plessinger.

PHOTO PROVIDED
The Clinton County Department of Emergency Services recognized members of its 9-1-1 Communication Center for assisting during an infant cardiac arrest incident in August. Pictured, from left, are Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding, dispatchers Aiden May, Kirsten McAndrew and Derek Hoover, and DES Director Jonathon Plessinger.

LOCK HAVEN -- The Clinton County Department of Emergency Services recently celebrated a number of its dispatchers.

Several members of the 9-1-1 Communications Center received Unit Citations for their performance during two major incidents in the county, according to DES Director Jon Plessinger.

The first round of recognitions were awarded to dispatchers involved in an infant cardiac arrest call on Aug. 21 in Lock Haven.

"The dispatchers demonstrated professionalism, teamwork and composure while providing lifesaving instructions and coordinating the emergency response," Plessinger told The Express. "Their actions, along with the efforts of responding EMS and public safety personnel, contributed to a successful outcome."

Dispatchers who were involved in assisting EMS with the cardiac arrest incident included Aiden May and Derek Hoover.

Dispatchers were also recognized for their efforts during the Sept. 2 and 3 flash flooding events that devastated a large portion of the county and region.

"During the event, the communications center handled 767 calls, including 140 9-1-1 calls and 627 non-emergency calls. Dispatchers managed a significant increase in call volume while coordinating emergency responses and resources throughout the county," Plessinger said.

Dispatchers involved in working during the flash flooding incidents included Aiden May, Charlize Kepler, Kirsten McAndrew, Brianna Johnson, Derek Hoover, Lori Rhoads, Hannah Park, Delmar Blackwell, Christopher Rupert, Scott Kemmerer and Aleyah Myers.

Plessinger emphasized the key role the communication center plays in emergency response.

"Our dispatchers are often the first point of contact during an emergency, but much of their work happens behind the scenes," he said. "We are extremely proud of our staff and appreciate their continued commitment to serving the residents and public safety agencies of Clinton County."