FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 13, 2022
Dispatch Staff Recognized in Award Ceremony
At an award ceremony on Wednesday, April 12, staff from the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCCDA) were recognized for their contributions to the organization in 2022. Below is a list of employees and the accolades they were given.

Team Award
Supervisor Kurnin Pace
Telecommunicators Samantha Berry, Kaitlynn Kistel, Katie Gilman, Allyson Pewoski, Kate Wegener
 
This award is presented to a team of telecommunications staff for the successful handling of a major, critical, spectacular, or noteworthy incident that involves the coordination of multiple public safety responses and other emergency resources.
 
Incident awarded: On September 13, 2022 dispatch received information from Branch County regarding a suspect who was a wanted felon and had fired shots at officers. Phone pings indicated the suspect was in the area of Homer. At approximately 7:27 p.m., the suspect was located by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, at which time it fled. A multi-county, multi-agency pursuit with shots fired at officers ended at 8:20 p.m. when the suspect was called in custody. Coordinating an event that spans multiple counties is not an easy task. The coordination and communication by CCCDA staff was truly remarkable during this incident.
Customer Service of the Year
Telecommunicator Erica Nageldinger

Erica Nageldinger is the 2022 recipient of the Customer Service Award. During Erica’s nearly 10-year tenure at Calhoun County 911, Erica is consistent and has remained compassionate, kind, and empathetic toward everyone regardless of the situation. Erica also has an amazing ability to remain composed during stressful situations, often times demonstrating excellent de-escalation techniques, which aid her in obtaining necessary information for prompt and accurate call entries.
 
Erica has received several Positive Reinforcement evaluations, one in fact was for a structure fire and her ability to keep the caller calm during this time of stress. There are examples of this daily; Erica relays a sense of security while gaining control and confidence of the public to accomplish the mission. 

Pictured is Telecommunicator Erica Nageldinger with Supervisor Leah Edgell
Distinguished Character
Telecommunicator Beth Owen
 
Beth Owen is receiving the distinguished character award this year. She is described by her peers as fun and making a positive environment for those she works with. Beth is always willing to help her co-workers when needed or answer questions they might have. Along with keeping her work atmosphere positive, she is also quick to answer calls efficiently and with professionalism.
 
Beth has many years of service and is a mentor. Even though Beth has seniority, Beth will ask questions which demonstrates to others that we are all always learning and on equal grounds. Her ability to keep those around her focused on the fortunes and opportunities that come with the job is a quality that everyone appreciates.

Pictured is Telecommunicator Beth Owen with Supervisor Abbey Kidder.


Above and Beyond
Telecommunicator Larissa Griffith
 
Larissa Griffith is described by her peers as having a drive to do whatever she can to help out CCCDA. Larissa volunteers to work long hours and picks up overtime to help others, even during the onset of a night shift. Aside from being a Communications Training Officer, LEIN Terminal Agency Coordinator, and Public Relations Committee member, Larissa is a union steward. Larissa recently worked with administration in an effort to address some scheduling challenges, which has benefited everyone. Aside from training, Larissa has shown interest in attending training to better herself and the agency.

Employee of the Year
Supervisor Abbey Kidder
 
Supervisor Abbey Kidder began her career at Calhoun County 911 as a telecommunicator in 2016 and was promoted to supervisor in April 2020. As a Supervisor, Abbey works nights. CCCDA nightshift supervisors hold a lot of responsibility as resources can be limited such as maintenance, IT, and vendor support, and administration.

Abbey is supportive of the staff she supervises, regardless of what they're going through. She also shows her support when conducting detailed and meaningful evaluations. Abbey monitors and evaluates performance by making sure others are in compliance with agency policy and procedures. She not only puts a great deal of thought into her comments but takes it one step further by looking for targeted training that will benefit her staff. More importantly, she communicates the needs of others, which is another example of taking care of people.
 
Abbey maintains the dispatch schedule, which not an easy task. Scheduling is a living breathing document requiring constant maintenance. Regardless of training, public relations events, vacation, conferences, and other scheduling needs, Abbey is always willing to help coordinate the needs of CCCDA. 
 
Abbey demonstrates reliability and knowledge when it comes to operations. She is quick to analyze and prioritize critical operational functions and makes sound decisions in stressful situations. She is proactive in communicating potential issues, maintains a professional attitude and promotes others do the same. These are just a few attributes of many that Abbey possesses and we are grateful for. 

Pictured is Supervisor Abbey Kidder with CCCDA Deputy Director Robert Stahelin.

 
Perfect Attendance
Supervisors Leah Edgell, Abbey Kidder, Kurnin Pace
Telecommunicators Beth Owen, Erica Nageldinger, Christy Kubasiak, Abbey Stimer, Kaitlynn Kistel, Alyssa Stanfield
 
Communication Training Officer
Telecommunicators Kelsey Gentry, Larissa Griffith, Erica Nageldinger, Chris Robinson, Adam Vanderleun, Abbey Stimer, Kaitlynn Kistel, Samantha Campbell, Samantha Berry
Supervisor Erin Allwardt
 
Public Education and Relations Committee
Helen Ure, Leah Edgell, Abbey Kidder, Erin Allwardt
Samantha Campbell, Abbey Stimer, Erica Nageldinger, Larissa Griffith, Chelsea Benson, Samantha Berry, Amber Wheaton, Alyssa Stanfield

Peer Support Team
Kelsey Gentry, Erica Nageldinger, Samantha Troyer, Adam Vanderleun 
 
For information, contact
Michael Armitage, Executive Director
Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority
315 W Green Street, Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: 269-781-9709