[Archived] Alexandria Police Dispatchers Receive National 911 Honor

The E911 Institute, in conjunction with National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA), the 911 Industry Alliance ("9IA"), National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED), 911 For Kids, and the Congressional NextGen 911 Caucus, will present a team of dispatchers from the Alexandria Department of Emergency Communications with the First Responder Award as part of the 8th annual “911 Honors Gala” in Washington D.C.

The First Responder Award is given in appreciation of the dedicated professionals in law enforcement, fire, rescue, and telecommunications who assist in the resolution of an emergency situation.  On July 28, 2010, seven dispatchers and a supervisor took immediate action when an armed carjacking suspect ran into a crowded City Hall. They simultaneously coordinated more than 30 officers responding to the call and initiated the city’s Reverse 911 system to alert the surrounding residential neighborhood.  Their quick, organized response contributed to the successful apprehension of the suspect wherein no one was harmed.

“The Alexandria Dispatch Team is being honored for their ability to quickly coordinate response to an extremely dangerous situation. They are a reminder of the key role dispatchers play in emergency response,” said Gregory L. Rohde, Executive Director of the E911 Institute. “This situation also highlights the important role Reverse 911 technology plays to protect bystanders and citizens.”

Members of the team being honored include ECT Supervisor Marilyn Anderson, ECT Leslie Lewis, ECT Kimberly Welch, ECT Linda Garcia, ECT Rick Czarnowsky, ECT Chavonte Pollard, ECT Alesha Randolph and ECT Heather Vice.

The “911 Honors Gala” will be held in the Atrium of the Ronald Reagan Center in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday March 29.  For more information about the event and the award please visit www.e911institute.org or call Carla A. Anderson at 202.498.6936.

For interview requests please contact the Public Information Office of the Alexandria Police Department at 703-838-4636.