Kent-based Valley Communications Center (911 calls and dispatch) recently received the 2024 Team of the Year Award from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International.
The employees received the award Aug. 5 during the international conference Aug. 4-7 in Orlando, Florida. The group presents awards to public safety communications personnel who have demonstrated the highest level of personal and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty.
On Feb. 10, 2023, a 911 call receiver in Kent suffered cardiac arrest while on shift, according to an Aug. 13 Valley Com press release. Other on-duty employees and supervisors immediately jumped into action and began CPR. As fire and emergency medical personnel were being dispatched, an automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied to the patient and two shocks were given.
These extraordinary efforts were happening as the rest of the team continued to field 911 calls and dispatch police, fire and medical, according to Valley Com. Not a single call was disrupted during this traumatic event occurring on the communications room floor.
Through these heroic efforts by employees, the call receiver regained consciousness as medical personnel entered the building, according to Valley Com. Not only did these amazing employees save a life, but the entire team also ensured the critical link between the public and emergency services was never broken.
“Our team’s journey to Orlando, Florida, to accept the Team of the Year Award at the APCO International 2024 Conference was a proud moment for all of us,” according to a Valley Com Facebook post. “The team’s recognition on stage during the opening ceremonies with a standing ovation was a testament to their hard work and dedication. We are incredibly proud of this group and their achievement.”
Valley Com is a regional 911 center that provides emergency communications services to communities of South King County. Valley Com 911 is responsible for answering emergency 911 calls and dispatching resources such as police officers, firefighters and paramedics to those requiring assistance. Its service area spans from Seattle’s southern border to a few blocks south of the Pierce County line and from Vashon Island to the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range.
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