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ST. JOSEPH — At the Berrien County Board of Commissioners’ Meeting the morning of April 18th, 2024, six 911  Dispatchers were honored for their service. Annually 911 operators from the County’s Emergency  Communication Centers are invited to nominate their peers for consideration for the designation of 911 Telecommunicator of the Year.
These anonymized nominations are considered by representatives from the County’s 911 Advisory Committee. The presentation was made by Greg Sanders, Berrien County Undersheriff and Chair of the Berrien County 911 Advisory Committee. 

The award is presented during National 911 Public-Safety Telecommunicators Week, which is  annually recognized in April, during National 911 Education Month. 911 Telecommunicators are the Call-takers and Dispatchers, known as the “first first responders” for their integral role in the response to an emergency call, providing pre-arrival instructions over the phone, and mobilizing and coordinating the field response. 

The award for the 2023 Telecommunicator of the Year was presented to Berrien County Dispatcher  Steven Ballard. He was recognized for his dedication to public safety and the 911 team as a trainer  and lead dispatcher, overseeing the shift when a supervisor is not available. Ballard’s assistance to law enforcement during the investigation of a shooting that resulted in a homicide was highlighted as an example of his work and ability to coordinate complex, high-risk situations. During that incident, he connected with the suspect’s wife on the phone while she was with her husband in a moving vehicle. Through his questioning, instructions, and relay of information, Ballard’s actions resulted in the apprehension of the suspect without further incident.  

Also recognized were nominees Berrien County Call-taker Bobbie Evans, Berrien County Dispatcher  Cindy Napier, Berrien County Dispatch Supervisor Sarah Blurton, and Niles Dispatchers Danae Fitz and Mark Fitzsimons.  

“This year’s nominations for Telecommunicator of the Year highlight the important work that our  telecommunicators do every day, exhibiting quick thinking, compassion, and taking actions to keep  citizens and field responders safe. They are always there for our community,” said Berrien County  911 Administrator Caitlin Sampsell. “They dedicate themselves to serving our community and they  deserve to be recognized for their role in public safety.”