Telecommunicator of the Year

Rutherford County - TN (04/19/2024) Rutherford County recognizes and honors telecommunicators in the Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency (RCEMA) Communications department for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (NPSTW).

This week's celebration includes recognizing Todd Riddle as the Telecommunicator of the Year. Riddle has been a 911 operator since 2008.

Communications Assistant Director Suzie Cunningham said, "The RCEMA Communications Telecommunicator of the Year is Todd Riddle. His coworkers all note his willingness to jump in and cover open shifts, easygoing attitude, and ability to make all shifts enjoyable. Todd is a great employee, coworker, and Lead and he makes everyone feel appreciated and heard. He is an experienced and calming presence to his callers and coworkers alike. He always makes himself available to his job and coworkers. These qualities and more make Todd Riddle our Telecommunicator of the Year."

Riddle said, "It is with great honor that I accept the Telecommunicator of the Year Award 2024. I deeply value the opportunity to serve the community and fulfill my role in dispatching for Rutherford County Fire, EMS, and EMA. Each shift brings me a sense of fulfillment, and I am privileged to work alongside an exceptional crew and under outstanding leadership. Despite the challenges inherent in our line of work, knowing that we have a dedicated and supportive team makes every day more manageable. As call volumes increase and situations become more demanding, I find solace in the competence and reliability of our team at RCEMA Communications, ensuring the safety of both the public and our fellow first responders. I am grateful to all my colleagues for their nominations and am eager to continue our hard work together. I love it here."

The dispatch team would like to thank the following donors for the well wishes, food, snacks, and desserts provided this week.

Donors:

BJ’s Brewhouse
Crumbl Cookies
Domino’s Pizza
Donut Country
Honey Baked Ham
Mimi’s Café
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Papa John’s Pizza
Rick’s BBQ
Slick Pig BBQ
Through the Grapevine
Walmart

NPSTW , the second week of April was officially proclaimed by Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton in 1991. The week, sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is celebrated annually and honors the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls. The telecommunicator must take the information accurately, quickly and relay it to the appropriate response personnel.

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