HAGERSTOWN – At the recent annual Tri-State Telecommunicators Awards Ceremony, Washington County honored its 911 Communications Center staff as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which celebrates the dedication, service and achievements of the county’s 911 staff.
The annual event honors those who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergencies, often-unsung heroes working behind the scenes. This year’s ceremony spotlighted six individuals whose commitment and professionalism elevate the standard of service in emergency communications.
This year’s winner for the Career Commitment Award went to Warren Royce. Royce joined the 911 team in 2004, before it was consolidated. Over the years, he has been instrumental in troubleshooting fire events to ensure coordination during emergencies, county officials said. He is the go-to person in the room for any emergency, especially major fire incidents. With an incredible ability to store transfer unit information in his mind, Royce can quickly fill vacant stations with the necessary fire apparatus, keeping emergency responses effective, officials added. Known as the “river guy,” Royce has a vast knowledge of river landings and the best routes to access them during water-related emergencies. He has also stepped up as a trainer, willing to share his knowledge to support his fellow dispatchers.
The Dispatcher of the Year award went to Todd Nesbitt. Since joining the center in 2019, Nesbitt has steadily risen through the ranks, achieving the status of ECS 3. His peers say he is quick thinking, has vast knowledge and unwavering respect for his colleagues. Always a profession, Nesbitt also brings humor to the center, helping to ease the weight of high-pressure situations through his ability to balance efficiency with camaraderie, county officials said. His willingness to train fellow staff members speaks to his leadership and commitment to the team. No matter how hectic the shift, Nesbitt never hesitates to answer a ringing 911 phone. Nesbitt is also a fine chef, ensuring his shift eats well on holidays and other special occasions, officials noted.
Tara Buskirk won this year’s Silent Hero Award. Over the years, Buskirk has worked behind the scenes to ensure that the Washington County 911 Center is well-represented at the annual Telecommunicator Banquets. From organizing logistics to coordinating attendees, her countless hours of work make sure everything runs smoothly at these events, county officials said
The team honored Alan Crawford as Supervisor of the Year for his unstinting leadership and dedication to his team. Crawford consistently steps in to assist where needed, no matter the circumstance. His leadership is built on a foundation of respect for colleagues, and he fosters an environment of mutual respect by making everyone feel valued and appreciated, county officials noted. Crawford’s vast knowledge coupled with his upbeat attitude inspires those around him. He is also diligent in regularly updating his on new policies and procedures, ensuring they are always equipped with the latest information.
Two team members, Amanda Wagner and Kendall Kennedy, each received the Medal of Dedication for this year. A 911 dispatcher since September 2015, Wagner has consistently demonstrated exceptional dependability and is known for her unwavering commitment and reliability. She performs well whether handling routine calls or managing high-stakes emergencies. She consistently exceeds expectations in both her work ethic and performance. Even in the most stressful moments, her professionalism and calm demeanor have earned her the respect of colleagues and supervisors alike.
Since 2017, Kennedy has consistently demonstrated exceptional dependability, unwavering commitment and reliability. Ms. Kennedy consistently exceeds expectations in both her work ethic and performance. She is a steadfast presence within the team, offering support and maintaining a steady hand during the most challenging times, embodying the true essence of dependability.
