Dispatchers of the Year honored

By: By Lisa Marchesoni - Oct. 1, 2007 - 3:10 PM

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Dispatchers of the Year are, from left, Judi Ross, Cpl. Alicia Talley-Frogge, Sherry Nippers, David Cunningham and Andrea White.

Murfreesboro dispatcher Sherry Nippers helped save a domestic violence victim’s life by the way she handled the victim’s 911 call last January.

A man broke into the victim’s home, dragged her to his car and kidnapped her. Nippers obtained the description of the suspect, his vehicle and their direction of travel before her telephone was disconnected.

The information Nippers obtained was broadcast to police. Officers Eddie Burgess and Daniel Parkhurst stopped the vehicle, apprehended the suspect and possibly saved the woman’s life.

Nippers’ response to the call earned her recognition as Telecommunicator of the Year for Murfreesboro Police.

She was one of five telecommunicators to receive the honor during the annual Telecommunicator of the Year Awards Luncheon sponsored by the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District.

Other telecommunicators who received the award were Cpl. Alicia Talley-Frogge of the sheriff’s office, Judi Ross of Smyrna Police, Andrea White of La Vergne Police and David Cunningham of Emergency Medical Services.

Talley-Frogge is a training officer and supervisor where she makes sure shifts are covered and makes decisions.

She had handled many emergency situations with dignity and control and goes beyond the norm to help callers. She helps co-workers, works when short handed and helps with special events.

Smyrna Police officers who nominated Ross described her as professional and caring. She remains calm during high-stress situations and shows a desire to raise the level of professionalism at the department.

White was chosen for helping make smoother several changes at La Vergne Police Department. Officers who work with her feel very secure knowing she is with them on the other side of the radio.

Cunningham knows how to deal with callers’ crises and remedy the emergency. He goes beyond the call of duty by updating the staff about changing situations such as weather conditions. He and his wife, Suzie, primarily work together on weekend night shifts.

Sheriff Truman Jones, who is 911 chairman, said telecommunicators handle emergencies and the callers in need.

“I have seen the emotions swell when it involves children,” Jones said, adding telecommunicators take care of the call before they take care of their own emotions

County Mayor Ernest Burgess described the telecommunicators who make the county residents safe. They take calls from emotional people.

Some of their characteristics include confidence, competency, compassion, common sense, an ability to control their emotions and concern.

“They are our first line of defense for our citizens and our first responders as well,” Burgess said.

Telecommunicators undergo 40 hours of training, including 911, computer mapping, stress management and customer service.

“The safety of our citizens are in your skilled hands,” Burgess said. “We are truly grateful for your service.”