KENNEWICK — Two Kitsap County Central Communications (CENCOM/911) workers were honored as “Telecommunicators of the Year” by the Washington State Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communication’s Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) at its 36th annual awards ceremony recently.
Jeff West was named “Telecommunicator of the Year for Exemplary Handling of a Critical Incident” for his work on an attempted bank robbery/bomb incident in Silverdale in March.
“There is no doubt that Jeff did an incredible job on this or thousands of other 911 calls he handled,” said CENCOM Director Richard Kirton. “Jeff is one of those level-headed, hard-working employees you wish you could clone. This is especially true now that Jeff has moved on from CENCOM.”
West now is the president of Port Orchard-based New Day Recycling.
Chris Law was named “Telecommunicator of the Year for Sustained Performance.” Law, an emergency telecommunicator, has been with CENCOM for 14 years.
“Chris Law brings enthusiasm and energy to everything she does regardless of the task or subject,” said Maria Jameson-Owens, CENCOM’s deputy director. “What Chris contributes to our organization is humbling. Her meticulous dispatch skills, consistent customer service, and forward-thinking problem solving help propel CENCOM forward.”
CENCOM is responsible for answering all 911 and non-emergency calls for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical and Animal Control services in Kitsap County.
In 1976, they went live as the first countywide consolidated police, fire, and EMS center in Washington state. They provide Kitsap County citizens with quick, 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week access to emergency services by a team of more than 70 professionals.
Washington APCO/NENA Awards Chair Jay Atwood of Spokane said the two honorees epitomize professionalism and dedication as Telecommunicators.
“It was an honor to be able to recognize them,” Atwood said.
The Washington State Chapter of the APCO and NENA is a statewide organization of public safety communications and 911 professionals.
