SHERMAN, TEXAS – Eric Bridges, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today the award recipients from its annual Texoma Regional 9-1-1 Telecommunicators Banquet, hosted by TCOG’s Public Safety staff on February 27. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the banquet in which TCOG makes a deliberate effort to express its gratitude and appreciation for 9-1-1 telecommunicators by highlighting the important role they play in public safety services.

Dr. Joe Serio, Guest Speaker

“Telecommunicators are a particularly critical link between those in need of emergency services and those that provide emergency assistance,” stated Bridges. “They are often the first point of contact in moments of crisis.

“The Texoma region is fortunate to have such devoted and dedicated telecommunicators who truly are first responders.”

In 2019, Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law classifying 9-1-1 dispatchers and other public safety telecommunications professionals as first responders. This law went into effect on September 1. Prior to this legislation, 9-1-1 telecommunicators were classified as secretaries. The law provides an opportunity to give dispatchers recognition alongside public safety services as well as providing them with access to benefits to help support their mental health.

The awards and recipients are as follow:

In addition to the awards ceremony, the event featured keynote speaker, Dr. Joe Serio. Serio holds a PhD in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Behavior from Sam Houston State University. He is a popular and entertaining speaker who motivates and inspires his audiences while providing thought-provoking information.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, 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. Both directly and 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.

SHERMAN, March 54, 2019 – Eric Bridges, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today that TCOG’s 9-1-1 Program hosted the annual Texoma Regional 9-1-1 Telecommunicators Banquet this past Thursday on February 28. Each year awards are given to telecommunicators throughout our region for the important role they play in public safety.

Trenell Walker

Guest Speaker

“Telecommunicators are the critical link between those in need of emergency services and those that provide emergency assistance,” stated Bridges. “The Texoma region is fortunate to have such devoted and dedicated telecommunicators.”

The awards and recipients are as follow:

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.

Texoma Senior Corps celebrates volunteers

SHERMAN, April 27, 2018 –Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), commended Texoma Senior Corps for hosting a recognition event honoring the Texoma Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties on April 26, 2018.

RSVP volunteers attended the Annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition Banquet held at the Municipal Ballroom in Sherman, Texas. The theme for this year’s event was “Texoma RSVP Volunteers Have a Heart as Big as Texas.” While enjoying a wonderful lunch prepared by Rib Crib and listening to great music by Larry Massey, volunteers were recognized for their volunteer service this past year. Stephanie Chandler, Director of Community Investments with United Way of Grayson County, was the keynote speaker who provided encouraging words for all in attendance regarding the importance of volunteerism.

Bernice Sicking receives the Volunteer of the Year for Cooke County

Spirit of Service awards were presented by each county’s RSVP Advisory Council president to Bernice Sicking (Cooke), Grace Tucker (Fannin), Ken Powers (Grayson) who were nominated for their dedication and spirit of service. Dr. Thomas presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to recipient Helen Dale who reached 4,000 hours of service. RSVP Advisory Council members assisted with milestone service awards presentations in addition to other acknowledgments.

Thomas stated, “Our community is very privileged to have seniors who consistently donate their time and energy to help support our various community programs. Their commitment to service is priceless.”

JD Moore receives recognition for 25 years of volunteerism

The RSVP was established nationally in 1971 and became active in Texoma in 1987. Texoma RSVP currently consists of approximately 622 volunteers and 58 volunteer host stations which include crisis centers, hospitals, food pantries, meal deliveries, and other community facilities throughout the tri-county area. Texoma RSVP volunteers apply their skills and wisdom they’ve acquired throughout their lives to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteers have the flexibility of choosing short or long term projects for as long as they are able to serve. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved. In 2017, Texoma RSVP volunteers contributed 87,195 hours of service within our tri-county area.

Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of one hour per month are invited to join the program.

Additional service awards were given to many other RSVP volunteers

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.

SHERMAN, February 10, 2017 –The TCOG 9-1-1 Program hosted the annual Texoma Regional 9-1-1 Telecommunicators Awards Banquet on Thursday, February 9, 2017. Each year awards are given to Telecommunicators in our region for the important role they play in public safety.

Tina Chaffin

Guest Speaker

“It is important that we recognize our Telecommunicators for their professionalism and dedication where public safety is concerned”, said Dr. Susan B. Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG). “When citizens call 9-1-1 these Telecommunicators work hard to make certain that help arrives as quickly as possible.”

The awards and recipients are as follow:

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.

SHERMAN, April 21, 2016– Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), commended the Texoma Senior Corps for hosting a recognition event honoring the Texoma Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties on April 21, 2016.

RSVP volunteers attended the Annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition Banquet held at the Municipal Ballroom in Sherman Texas. While enjoying a picnic theme lunch and listening to great music, volunteers were recognized for their service this past year. Nancy Jackson, Director of Community Development for Home Hospice, was the keynote speaker who provided encouraging words for all the volunteers. Former Denison Mayor and current TCOG Staff-Board Liaison, Ret Col. Bill Lindsey recognized Texoma veterans who are active RSVP volunteers by presenting each one with a service pin of appreciation. TCOG Deputy Director Dr. Randy McBroom presented the Spirit of Service awards to Bob Cheairs, Fannin County, Bruce Bernstein, Cooke County, and Laurie Tillery, Grayson County. The Spirit of Service recipients are nominated by the volunteers of each county, and are recognized for their dedication and spirit of service. Dr. McBroom also presented the Lifetime Achievement awards to volunteers who reach 4000 hours of Service. RSVP Advisory Council members assisted with the Milestone service awards presentations.

Dr. Thomas said, “Our community is very fortunate to have seniors who continue to give of themselves through their time and effort to help support our community programs. It is a privilege to recognize and honor their service.”

The RSVP currently consists of approximately 620 volunteers and 73 volunteer host stations which include crisis centers, hospitals, food pantries, meal deliveries, and other community facilities throughout the tri-county area. Texoma RSVP volunteers apply their skills and wisdom they’ve acquired throughout their lives to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteers have the flexibility of choosing short or long term projects for as long as they are able to serve. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved.

The RSVP was established in 1971 and became active in Texoma in 1987. Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of one hour per month are invited to join the program.

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.

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.