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Public Safety Dispatcher Week 2016 DEM ’ s public safety dispatchers are San Francisco ’ s first , first responders and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is an opportunity to highlight their outstanding work . Although every dispatcher is honored during this week , DEM takes this opportunity to recognize stellar performance through the following awards .
Dispatcher of the Year Natalie Elicetche was recognized as Dispatcher of the Year for fielding a call from a San Francisco resident who reported the possibility of multiple murders in Tennessee . Natalie contacted local authorities in Tennessee which led to the arrest of the murder suspect . This was an incredibly complex situation , yet through it all Natalie exhibited compassion , strength , and initiative that led to justice for the victims of this horrendous crime .
Toni Hardley Award The Toni Hardley Award for Excellence in Supervision honors the memory of Toni Hardley who is remembered for her calm , cool , and collected nature . As one DEM supervisor remembers her , “ She was the supervisor everyone aspired to be .” Janice Baldocchi received the 2016 Toni Hardley Award for her outstanding leadership and guidance to her staff . Janice is revered on the 9-1-1 dispatch floor and demonstrates unwavering commitment to her fellow dispatchers .
9-1-1 Heroes Awards The 9-1-1 Heroes Award gives us the opportunity to honor children who called 9-1-1 to help a family member — and the dispatchers who answered their calls . This year ’ s 9-1-1 Heroes Awards recognized Public Safety Dispatcher Celia Velasquez who instructed a child calling 9-1-1 on behalf of her non-English speaking parents because her baby brother was not breathing . Cecilia directed the child to conduct CPR on her brother until the baby ’ s cries were audible . San Francisco Public Safety Dispatcher Burt Wilson also received the 9-1-1 Heroes Award for his assistance to a child who called 9-1-1 for her grandmother who was having a heart attack . Burt gave instructions and words of support to the child until medical services arrived .
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