9-1-1 Dispatcher of the Year to Be Honored Today

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA 9-1-1 DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR TO BE HONORED TODAY

WHO: 9-1-1 Dispatcher of the Year, Sydney Meyers, Communications Officer, Nichols Hills Police Department

WHAT: 9-1-1 Dispatcher of the Year

WHEN: Monday, April 12, 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Association of Central Oklahoma Governments Board Room, 21 E. Main Street, Oklahoma City (Bricktown)

WHY: To highlight the critical, life-saving work of 9-1-1 dispatchers; to highlight the role of 9-1-1 ACOG, which is responsible for the procurement and management of millions of dollars of high-tech equipment, which comprises Central Oklahoma’s highly sophisticated 9-1-1 system. In addition, ACOG provides advanced training to the region’s 9-1-1 dispatchers.

DETAILS: September 7, 2009, was the kind of day all 9-1-1 dispatcher prepare for, but hope never happens. While on duty at the Nichols Police Department Communications Center, Sydney Myers, a communications officer, received a call about a suspicious noise, which the caller described as breaking glass. Myers dispatched officers who discovered a broken window at the residence and then observed a subject inside the residence. The suspect fled the scene and the call culminated in an officer-involved shooting.

For several moments, Myers was not aware who had been shot, and believed it was an officer.

Even with emotions and adrenaline running very high, Myers kept control of the situation. Her voice remained calm and even. She was able to complete all requests given from the field, and still handle her regular duties in dispatch.

Although she was frightened about what might have happened to her officer, Myers compartmentalized that fear and continued her duties at an exceptional level.

For her exceptional service and professionalism in the actions that occurred that day, Sydney Myers was recommended by the Nichols Hills Police Department to received 9-1-1 ACOG’s Dispatcher of the Year award.

Sydney Myers will be available for comment along with members of the Nichols Hills Police Department and ACOG officials. The audio of the 9-1-1 call will be made available to the media on Monday.

CONTACT: For more information, contact Steve Willoughby, 9-1-1 Director, ACOG, 234-2264 or 409-0670.