SHERMAN, May 25, 2012 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), has announced that TCOG hosted the 2012 Texoma Regional 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Awards Banquet to recognize 9-1-1 call takers and their exemplary skills in handling emergency communications. The banquet was held at the First United Methodist Church in Sherman on Thursday, May 24, 2012, 6:00 pm.

No matter the emergency, 9-1-1 call takers are dedicated to making sure help is always there when it is needed. These men and women help save lives and foster the public’s confidence in local emergency response. "This is our fourth year to honor area dispatchers for their often unnoticed hard work and dedication to public safety," said Dr. Thomas. "365 days of the year, 24 hours a day, telecommunicators are there for you when you dial 9-1-1 and we think that deserves recognition."

Telecommunicator of the Year- Cyndi Ritchie, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office for her handling of a hit and run accident.

Team Award of Merit- Shelli Bengfort & Denise Jones, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office for their team work to help an abused female and her kidnapped son.

Supervisor of the Year- Megan Robinson, Bonham Police Department

Megan Robinson

Life Saving Award- Shanna Derheim, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office

Life Saving Award- Lisa Brummett, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, for her handling of a call involving a sinking boat with 2 adults and a child on Lake Texoma.

Life Saving Award- Greg Brummett, Sherman Police Department for his handling of a suicidal caller

Silent Hero Awards are presented to one individual from each agency in recognition of their exceptional professionalism in the field of emergency communications. The award also acknowledges the special contributions of Telecommunicators whose daily performance is an inspiration and example to others. The 2012 recipients are:

Quentin Barnes- Bonham Police Department

Crista Rosado- Cooke County Sheriff’s Office

Linda Boyle- Denison Police Department

Chad McKee- Denison Fire Department

Lisa Avelar- Fannin County Sheriff’s Office

Jami Brown- Grayson County Sheriff’s Office

Andrea Grimes- Sherman Police Department

Renee Winkler- Van Alstyne Police Department

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and

efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.