Barrie emergency worker wins 911 award

At some point in our lives, most of us will call 911 for emergency assistance.

The Simcoe County 911 Management Board has announced the new Simcoe County Tri-Service Public Safety Communicator-ofthe Year Award, to recognize those who answer the call.

This will be an annual event that recognizes the professionalism and excellence of public safety communicators - those who answer the call and dispatch emergency service personnel for paramedics, fire and police.

"The public often pays tribute to emergency personnel from police, fire and paramedic services who respond to 911 calls," said warden Tony Guergis. "However, public safety communicators who answer and dispatch these calls are often the unsung heroes as they many times talk a bystander, victim or patient through a crisis. These people play a vital role in ensuring that the right help arrives as soon as possible and we are pleased that the 911 management board will now be annually recognizing these professionals."

In order to recognize these dedicated professionals, this award will be given annually to an emergency services communicator representing paramedic, police or fire services within the boundaries of the county. These nominees would have demonstrated exemplary service throughout the entire year.

Nominations for 2007 were invited from all emergency response dispatch agencies across the county.

A review committee comprised of members of the 911 board reviewed the nominations and has selected an award recipient.

This year's award winner is Sharon Phillips-Laidlaw. Sharon has been a communications operator with the City of Barrie Fire and Emergency Service for 11 years.

During 2007, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and consistently rose above and beyond the expectations of her role.