Denton County Sheriff’s Office Communications personnel on Monday received commendations for their outstanding work on April 2, 2015, in the wake of a building collapse at Argyle High School that had multiple victims trapped and resulted in one fatality.
The awards were presented at the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, in the Lobby Training Room, with Argyle Fire Department in attendance.
At approximately 07:40 am, on the morning of April 2, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received the 9-1-1 call from Argyle High School about the building collapse. Communications personnel immediately dispatched multiple law enforcement, fire and EMS responders while collaborating with other agencies in the area for possible mass casualty assistance.
During the next three hours, Communications personnel processed 166 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls overall, as well as an additional 206 incidents unrelated to this event. Their immediate, calculated, and thorough response enabled them to send first responders to the scene, respond to on-scene requests, and demonstrate great care and calm when responding to those affected by this tragic and high stress incident.
During the same time, they maintained the highest level of service to their normal calls for assistance. Sheriff Travis said, “The actions of our communications staff in response to this tragic event show a degree of professionalism that is not only highly commendable it is also extraordinary. Our county is in good hands with professionals like these.”
On a related note, three members of the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Communications section will receive commendations for their nominations for the 2015 Texas Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) / National Emergency Number Association (NENA) awards, which will be presented in Galveston this week during Telecommunicator’s Week. These members displayed superior service, commitment to the community and teamwork. The state awards presented will be the Supervisor of the Year, the Silent Hero, and the Training Professional of the Year.
Holly Rodriguez, Communications Manager said, “Each nominee is carefully selected for the service they provide, acts of heroism within the telecommunicator role as well as exemplifying mission of the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Communications Section with their superior public safety assistance through selfless service, attentive care, professionalism and integrity.”
Sheriff Travis said, “Our Communications staff consistently reflect exemplary teamwork, I couldn’t be more proud to have personnel of this caliber working for the Sheriff’s Office. Their dedication and service enable us to be where we are in providing these essential services to the citizens of Denton County. Night and day the staff proves how dedicated they are and the importance of what they do. These awards will provide a fitting kick off to Telecommunicator’s Week.”
Sandi Brackeen handles communications for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office.
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