FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Telecommunicators Recognized with 2023 Awards
This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Yesterday, Wednesday, April 17, the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCCDA) held an award ceremony to recognize employees for exemplary action. Below is a list of awards that were presented.

Team Award: This award is given to a CCCDA team that displayed unparalleled dedication, courage, and compassion. The following individuals are recognized for an incident on June 24, 2023 when the team responded to a violent act of domestic violence and a child caller. The team includes Supervisor Leah Edgell, Allison Pewoski, Chelsea Benson, Erica Nageldinger, Abigayle Stimer, and Samantha Campbell.
Employee of the Year: This award is given to an employee who stands out throughout the year. This year’s recipient is Erica Nageldinger, who received the award for being supportive of coworkers, is a team player, seeks the positive and promotes harmony, engages in difficult discussions with an open mind and respect, and overall shows a leading attitude, dedication, and pride in her work. 

Customer Service Award: This award is given to a telecommunicator who exemplifies CCCDA’s mission, meets the emotional needs of callers through tone, empathy, and compassion, while effectively maintaining officer safety. This year’s recipient is Samantha Troyer, who ensures that her callers are aware of the actions she is taking with them while on the phone as well as meeting their needs. Troyer exemplifies compassion and empathy in her calls and ensures that she is efficient and effective in getting emergency services to her callers as quickly as possible.
Above and Beyond Award: This award is awarded to a telecommunicator who continuously volunteers to help the center on various committees and tasks. The recipient is Abbey Kidder, who received the award for the way she tackles scheduling, is available for other employees, and has taken on the role of primary handler for Facility Dog Hope.

Distinguished Character Award: This award is given to a telecommunicator who embodies a high moral code when interacting with co-workers, Public Safety Agencies, and callers. The recipient is Kelsey Gentry, who received the award for influencing her coworkers in a positive manner, uplifting new employees, and facilitating a positive work environment overall.
Young Warrior Award: A special award this year was created to recognize a boy for his demonstration of qualities like resiliency, toughness, perseverance, and determination to overcome adversity. John JJ Curtis was born on March 2, 2018, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor at 20 weeks gestation. When JJ’s mom went into labor, it was clear she would not make it to the hospital in time. JJ's Grandma called 911 and the telecommunicator kept her calm and guided her through the process, including in tying off the umbilical chord.

Additionally, employees were recognized in the following categories.

Perfect Attendance: Chelsea Benson, Samantha Campbell, Kaitlynn Kistel, Erica Nageldinger, Beth Owen, Chris Robinson, Supervisor Leah Edgell, Supervisor Abigail Kidder, Supervisor Helen Ure.

Communication Training Officers: Supervisor Erin Allwardt, Larissa Griffith, Chris Robinson, Samantha Troyer, Erica Nageldinger, Samantha Campbell, Abigayle Stimer, Chelsea Benson, Samantha Berry, Kelsey Gentry, Adam Vanderleun.

Public Education and Relations Committee: Supervisor Helen Ure, Supervisor Erin Allwardt, Supervisor Abigail Kidder, Supervisory Leah Edgell, Chelsea Benson, Samantha Berry, Samantha Campbell, Larissa Griffith, Erica Nageldinger, Alyssa Stanfield, Abigayle Stimer, Amber Wheaton.
Media contact:
Lucy Blair, Communications Director
Calhoun County Government