The Simcoe County Tri-Service Public Safety Communications Awards ceremony returned April 16 after being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The awards, which celebrated honourees from both 2019 and 2023, recognizes the exceptional work of the vital call-takers, dispatchers, and supervisors in our emergency response system. These individuals provide a vital link to callers in distress and provide a communications safety net to emergency responders on scene.
“It is truly an honour to recognize the outstanding efforts of this group of unsung heroes for the work they do each and every day, often under difficult conditions. On behalf of county council, our residents and visitors, congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your dedication, strength and resilience," stated Warden Basil Clarke.
The county celebrated both the 2023 and 2019 award recipients on Tuesday.
2023 winners
Kirstie Duke, a communications operator from the OPP Provincial Communication Centre in Orillia, was the recipient of the 2023 Simcoe County Public Safety Communicator-of-the-Year Award. During her three years in the role, Duke has committed more than 1,000 hours helping to coach and support other staff. Described as an exceptional employee who leads by example, her professionalism and knowledge inspire those around her. Her efforts in training and coaching have also led to the success of others.
The 2023 Simcoe County Public Safety Communications Team Award was presented Barrie Police Service staff members Sherri Heenan, Jayme Morrison, Melissa Nadeau, Karleigh Horan, Taylor Bolam, Kelly Van Schubert, Sara Bullied, Chantelle Gerry, Dana Forrest, Sharon Taylor, Hailey Richardson, Mikyla Matthews, Sarah Kenwright, and Sarah Winzar. In late 2023, this team co-ordinated the response to a delicate and potentially dangerous situation involving a person in distress. Working with multiple agencies, including groups outside of traditional emergency services, this team’s professionalism, and dedication over a 24-hour period helped to ensure the successful and safe resolution of the incident.
2019 winners
Marc Sparrow, a communications operator from the OPP Provincial Communication Centre in Orillia, was the recipient of the 2019 Simcoe County Public Safety Communicator-of-the-Year Award. Described as a “professional and natural leader” by his colleagues, Sparrow was recognized for the example he sets for his peers. A member of the innovation committee, Sparrow helps to bring new ideas forward, working to ensure his co-workers are engaged and prepared for changes in operations and policy when they happen.
The 2019 Simcoe County Public Safety Communications Team Award was presented to Karleigh Horan, Joanna Baker, Caroline Graham and Angie Elliott from the Barrie Police Service. On a busy day in August 2019, this team received a call involving a person in distress with a weapon. In addition to the continued influx of normal 9-1-1 calls, these four operators co-ordinated a complex, multi-agency response, utilizing dedicated radio channels, while still maintaining service elsewhere in the city. Further complicating communications was two brief radio outages attributed to pre-planned radio maintenance. Through professionalism and effective communication, these communicators worked as a team, providing effective support for everyone involved in the incident.
Barrie resident Connor Disson was recognized as the 2019 Youth Award winner. Then 11 years old, Disson called 9-1-1 after a family member fell down the stairs and was unable to speak properly. Concerned about a possible head injury or stroke, Disson made the decision to call 9-1-1 and was calmly and clearly able to relay the information to the paramedic dispatcher. Disson stayed on the line with the dispatcher, providing care to his family member until help arrived.
