News Release

For Immediate Release

SHERMAN, May 25, 2012 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced that TCOG has hosted the 2012 Texoma Regional 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Awards Banquet to recognize 9-1-1 call takers and their exemplary skills in handling emergency communications. The banquet was held at the First United Methodist Church in Sherman on Thursday, May 24, 2012, 6:00 pm.

No matter the emergency, 9-1-1 call takers are dedicated to making sure help is always there when it is needed. These men and women help save lives and foster the public’s confidence in local emergency response. “This is our fourth year to honor area dispatchers for their often unnoticed hard work and dedication to public safety,” said Dr. Thomas. “365 days of the year, 24 hours a day, telecommunicators are there for you when you dial 9-1-1 and we think that deserves recognition.”

2012 Award Winners

Telecommunicator of the Year
Cyndi Ritchie, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office for her handling of a hit and run accident.

Team Award of Merit
Shelli Bengfort & Denise Jones, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office for their team work to help an abused female and her kidnapped son.

Supervisor of the Year
Megan Robinson, Bonham Police Department

Life Saving Award
Shanna Derheim, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office

Life Saving Award
Lisa Brummett, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, for her handling of a call involving a sinking boat with 2 adults and a child on Lake Texoma.

Life Saving Award
Greg Brummett, Sherman Police Department for his handling of a suicidal caller.

Silent Hero Awards are presented to one individual from each agency in recognition of their exceptional professionalism in the field of emergency communications. The award also acknowledges the special contributions of Telecommunicators whose daily performance is an inspiration and example to others.
The 2012 recipients are:
Quentin Barnes- Bonham Police Department
Crista Rosado- Cooke County Sheriff’s Office
Linda Boyle- Denison Police Department
Chad McKee- Denison Fire Department
Lisa Avelar- Fannin County Sheriff’s Office
Jami Brown- Grayson County Sheriff’s Office
Andrea Grimes- Sherman Police Department
Renee Winkler- Van Alstyne Police Department

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.