As part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, our team took time out to recognize the heroes who work tirelessly each day behind the scenes in Walker County.
Theresa Parker Dispatcher of the Year: Catessa Vines
Catessa was nominated and selected by her peers for her dedication over the past 21 years. She is a phenomenal dispatcher especially on Fire/EMS calls. She is very compassionate with those in their time of need.
The Theresa Parker Dispatcher of the Year award was first awarded in 2010, in honor of Parker, who was tragically murdered. A plaque with the names of all former recipients of the Theresa Parker Dispatcher of the Year award hangs in the hallway at the Walker County E-911 building.
Compassion Award: Catessa Vines
8/4/2023, unresponsive female, stayed on the phone with the caller offering support and compassion due to an extended eta.
Lifesaver Award: Meagan Henderson
4/14/2023, CPR saved a 61-year old man
Teamwork Award B Day Shfit: Rebecca Pope, Catessa Vines, Meagan Henderson
9/26/2023, Armed Robbery at Cadence Bank. Great teamwork in getting the information out on the suspect to all county officers, as well as surrounding counties, resulting in the apprehension of the suspect.
Trainee of the Year: Emmalee Hall
Emmalee has been an exceptional employee who had no prior experience. She went from thinking she was not going to be able to do the job, to being an exceptional dispatcher. She is a great team player who does not hesitate to help her co-workers.
Under Pressure: Emmalee Hall
Emmalee was working on the FIRE/EMS console. The console was very busy with a structure fire and multiple medical calls requiring fire assistance. There was heavy radio traffic and Emmalee remained calm and professional on the radio. The responders later called in, complimenting her on her calmness.
Lifesaver Award: Rhonda Knox
9/9/2023, CPR saved a 45-year old woman
Compassion Award: Rhonda Knox
6/22/2023, A small child called in after her dad took a THC gummy and was freaking out. Rhonda showed compassion, remaining on the line with the child and keeping her calm until responders arrived.
Compassion Award: Kelly Steele
7/5/2023, Kelly showed compassion, remaining on the line with a mother whose child had locked themselves in the car. She kept the caller calm until responders arrived on scene.
Lifesaver Award: Holly Weber
8/10/2023, CPR saved a 9-month old
8/17/2023, CPR saved a patient
Teamwork Award A Day shift: Kelly Steele, Rhonda Knox, Christy Hicks, Holly Weber, Sgt. Sammy Rowland
8/31/2023, Amazing teamwork during a triple fatality Motor Vehicle Accident – coordinating response and notifying Life Force.
Teamwork Award A Day shift: Sgt Sammy Rowland, Christy Hicks, Rhonda Knox and Kelly Steele
8/7/2023, Amazing teamwork during severe weather/storms. They handled numerous phone calls dealing with trees down and fires, as well as normal everyday calls.
Teamwork Award A Night shift: Sgt. Scott Wooten, Alyssa Steele, Beth McJunkin, Marty Lee
10/08/2023, Officer involved shooting. They did amazing in getting help quickly and remaining calm.
Lifesaver Award: Beth McJunkin
8/16/2023, CPR saved a 40-year old woman who was unresponsive and stopped breathing. CPR was initiated and Beth’s quick thinking to tell them to grab the AED resulted in a pulse before EMS arrived.
Teamwork Award B Night shift: Beth McJunkin, Emmalee Hall, Mason Roberson, Melody Longwith and Lt. Lisa Pless
3/25/2024, NON-CUSTODIAL KIDNAPPING BY FATHER. Everyone’s quick actions and teamwork, resulted in the child being recovered and offenders arrested in Rutherford County, TN.
We thank this team of heroes for their service and the role they play in keeping our community safe every single day!