December 2022 newsletter

Volume 5, Number 12 |December 2022

Department gets new name to reflect additional mission

On Nov. 14, the Richmond City Council voted to approve the official addition of the Office of Emergency Management to the department and the change in the name to the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response (DECPR).

Updates to logos and other items reflecting the department will be phased in over the next few months.

Emergency communications officers, supervisors to get raise

Stephen Willoughby and Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders announce the pay raise to staff at morning roll call on Nov. 22.

Effective the pay period starting Dec. 3, pay will increase by 15 percent for all emergency communications officers and 10 percent for all emergency communications assistant supervisors and all emergency communications supervisors.

Read the announcement

Watch the announcement

DECPR to provide

gift basket

to needy family

for Christmas

The Department of Social Services has provided information for a family of five that is in need this holiday season. Employees may make donations to any member of the Pride Committee by Dec. 16.

Family requests

Congratulations

to new CISM team members

Congratulations to the newest members of the Critical Incident Stress Management team, who completed their training on Nov. 18:

Delivia Byrd

Shannon Purnell

Lauren Jones' entry was selected at random as the winner in the 2022 Citizen Survey. She and her son came to pick up the Ring Doorbell prize and tour the ECC on Nov. 7.

Survey reveals positive view of DECPR, but less so than 2019

A requirement for accreditation from CALEA, DECPR conducted a survey of adults who live, work or study in Richmond, July 26 to Sept. 30. A total of 296 surveys were completed online and at community events. Those who completed the survey could enter a random drawing for a Ring Doorbell.

Respondents indicated that they had a favorable view of the services provided by DECPR, but they were slightly less favorable than when the survey was first conducted in 2019. Comments of concerns focused on the need to hire more staff and increase pay, among other suggestions.

Executive summary of survey results

QA Spotlight for November

October ECO of the Month

Personnel Memo #22-16

Personnel Memo #22-17

Shine at Work links:

November in review

First tour since COVID, Armstrong-Walker Parade

The department hosted the first tour of the Emergency Communications Center since the COVID-19 pandemic prohibited visitors. On Nov. 1, Karen Gill gave a presentation and Woody Winborn provided a tour to 10 students of the RPD 34th Citizens Academy.

Thanks to Leon Corbin, Donetta McQueen and Woody for driving the DEC van and sharing 911 messages and pencils in the second Armstrong-Walker Legacy Parade

on Nov. 26.

See more community outreach photos