Each year the second week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as Telecommunications Officers. In October 1991 Congress made a formal proclamation to recognize the week as National Telecommunicator’s Week.

Those who perform telecommunications duties serve as a link between the responders and the public.

The week offers the opportunity to commend communications officers who provide radio, telephone and computer services for their dedication and professionalism.

Communications officers are the first point of contact with the public’s plea for assistance. While one call may be just a request with a simple answer, the next call may be the most extreme emergency anyone could face. On every call they have to be prepared for the unexpected and at times the unimaginable.

Officers must remain calm when speaking to a screaming mother whose child is hurt, when a Police Officer or Fire Fighter is calling for assistance or when someone they know is on the other end of the emergency call.

If you happen to see a communications officer let them know that they are appreciated for the job they do for Calhoun/Gordon County.

This year to honor the Gordon County Communications Officers a banquet was held in their honor.

Retired pro wrestler, Lex Luger was the guest speaker, who spoke to the Communications Officers about nutrition and exercise.

Special guest, Master August Couch, was also there. He was born Tuesday, April 10, 2012 with the assistance of Communications Officer Cory Hayes.

Master August was born at 5:35 a.m. weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce, and 18 and a half inches long.

Jim Cavanaugh Executive Producer of LEAPS TV, an online training venue for public safety officials, presented awards to Communications Officer Jennifer Derryberry and Director Debbie Vance.

Voted Telecommunicator of the Year for 2012 was Cory Hayes, and County Commissioner Judy Bailey presented the award.

Bailey worked with Hayes through the Youth Apprenticeship Program at Gordon High School and placed him at the 9-1-1 Center, where he remains today.

Misty Gurnee was this year’s winner of the Horizon Award. The award was presented to a Communications Officer with two years or less of service with Gordon County E 9-1-1, and who has shown great interest in their job and other team members.

Amanda Dawson was recognized for five years of service and Kelly Shaw was recognized for 10 years of service.

The employees at Gordon County E9-1-1 would like to thank the following whose contributions made the week very special: Affordable Towing, All South Towing, Baker’s Towing, Carroll’s Towing, Defoor’s Towing, Discount Towing, Gordon Co. Wrecker Service, Jefford’s Towing, Parrish Towing, Reeve’s Towing, Jandy’s, Therapeutic Massage Clinic, Fitness First of Calhoun, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Wholesale Food Outlet, Chick-fil-A, Calhoun Police Dept., Gordon County Sheriff’s Dept., Gordon Emergency Services, and Friends of 9-1-1