News Release - 9-1-1 Center Celebrates Annual National Telecommunications Week

City of Rochester

News Release

(Thursday, April 16, 2014) - An annual celebration of National Telecommunications Week was held at the Emergency Communications Department; your 9-1-1 Center this afternoon.  All week long employees were reminded by the management team of the need for the service they provide.  There was cake served during all three shifts.  Balloons adorned the entry way and the Annual Awards Ceremony was held this afternoon.

John M. Merklinger, Center Director offered remarks during the awards ceremony praising all his employees for the fine job they do each and every day.  It is appreciated by the community and is reflected in the positive response they give when we survey their experience calling 9-1-1 in Monroe County.

APCO International which provides some of the training and certifications to our people had this to say:  The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International thanks all telecommunications personnel in the public safety community for your continued efforts to preserve the public’s safety. Although APCO International does all it can to honor our calltakers and dispatchers throughout the year, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 13-19) has been set aside so everyone can be made more aware of your hard work and dedication, which provide a vital link to the public safety services on which we have come to rely every day.

While Director Merklinger presented the awards at the 28th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, he assured that while one employee was being recognized, the success of  9-1-1 here in Monroe County is attributed to all of the hard working telecommunications personnel here at the center.  The following were honored at the ceremony for their commitment and dedication to emergency communications during 2013:  Telecommunicator Damaris Rivera, Emergency Medical Dispatcher Jeffrey Leusch, Police Dispatcher Matthew Marfione, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Dispatcher Mathew Johnson and Supervisor David Foster.  In addition, Kristin Holden received the Bonnie Migliore Award, Joseph DeMars; the Arnold J. Eckert Award of Excellence.  Susan Utter, Julie Luther and Craig Spade all received Lifesaver Awards and Pamela Hatch and Merdith Low, along with Sergeant Daniel Brochu were named Special Services Award recipients for their efforts in assisting us in our Mission.  Years of service awards were presented to thirty eight employees; some with as few as five years while others have been here for over thirty years.

Director Merklinger spoke highly of his personnel as he closed the ceremony with a punch and cookie reception.  There were many family members present and they seemed pleased to share the moment with their family member receiving honors this year.

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For More Information: Contact Director Merklinger at 528-2207