| HAGERSTOWN, MD (April 14, 2026) – Washington County’s 911 Communications Center proudly recognized several outstanding members of its team at the 2026 Tri-State Telecommunicators Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The annual banquet serves as a meaningful celebration, honoring the dedication, professionalism, and critical role telecommunicators play as the first point of contact during emergencies. These individuals work behind the scenes to provide calm, clear communication and coordinate life-saving responses for the community. This year’s event highlighted three exceptional individuals whose service and commitment exemplify excellence in emergency communications: Legacy Award: Jason Kline Jason Kline was honored with the Legacy Award in recognition of more than 20 years of dedicated service. Beginning his career in 2003 at the County’s former West Washington Street location, Kline has witnessed and contributed to the transformation of the 911 center over the years. From serving as a Floor Supervisor to becoming a highly skilled CAD Specialist, he has long been regarded as a trusted resource within the center. In recent years, Kline returned to the operations floor as an ECS III, where he continues to provide leadership, mentorship, and stability on every shift. Known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and extensive knowledge—particularly in CAD systems—he remains a go-to resource for staff. His ongoing contributions to system improvements and operational excellence have made a lasting impact on the organization. Supervisor of the Year: Alan Crawford Alan Crawford was recognized as Supervisor of the Year for his exceptional leadership and positive influence on his team. Known for his optimistic “glass half full” approach, Crawford consistently fosters a supportive and encouraging work environment. Recently promoted to Operations Manager, his presence continues to be felt throughout the center. Crawford is widely respected for his professionalism, willingness to assist staff at any time, and his ability to mentor new leaders. His commitment to treating all team members with respect and ensuring they feel confident in their roles has made a lasting impression on the organization. 911 Dispatcher of the Year: Amanda Amanda was named 911 Dispatcher of the Year for her outstanding performance, professionalism, and dedication to both her colleagues and the community. Highly skilled across all disciplines—law enforcement, fire, and EMS—she consistently demonstrates the ability to manage complex and high-pressure situations with composure and precision. As a Communications Training Officer, Amanda has played a vital role in mentoring new dispatchers, helping to shape the next generation of professionals. Her exceptional work during critical incidents, including a multi-agency response and a fatal structure fire, earned commendations for her calm demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to effectively coordinate communications. Her dedication to the job, combined with her leadership and teamwork, exemplifies the highest standards of the profession.The 2026 Tri-State Telecommunicators Awards Banquet serves as a reminder of the essential role telecommunicators play in public safety. Washington County Emergency Communications is proud to recognize these individuals and all staff members who work tirelessly to serve the community each day. Teamwork Award: Washington County Emergency Communications Team The Teamwork Award was presented to a group of dedicated telecommunicators and supervisors in recognition of their extraordinary response during a severe weather event on April 19, 2025. Recipients included Emergency Communications Supervisors Dwayne Flook, Alan Crawford, Beth Dattilio, and Derek Bish (who passed away in July 2025), along with Emergency Communications Specialists Aaron Myers, Shirley Liu, Courtney Weaver, Joe Arch, Emily Buffenmeyer, Bill Haines, Bethani Mummert, Isabella Nicewarner, Todd Nesbitt, Ethan Grim, Logan Murphy, James Miller, Maggie Keller, Amanda Wagner, Brandi Campbell, and Ysabella Galvan. On the evening of April 19, 2025, while several team members were attending the Tri-State Telecommunicators Banquet, a fast-moving and dangerous storm system struck Washington County, Maryland with little warning. As conditions rapidly deteriorated, Supervisor Dwayne Flook issued an urgent call for additional staffing. Team members immediately responded, many traveling directly from the event back to the 911 center—some encountering severe weather conditions along the way. Within a short period, call volume surged to unprecedented levels, with nearly 1,000 calls received in a single hour and more than 1,500 calls handled over a 5.5-hour span. Despite the overwhelming demand, telecommunicators worked tirelessly to answer calls, initiate callbacks, and coordinate emergency response efforts. At the same time, they ensured the safety of first responders navigating hazardous conditions, including downed trees, blocked roadways, and live power lines. Their ability to adapt in real time, manage evolving conditions, and maintain clear communication was critical to protecting both responders and the public.Most importantly, the residents of Washington County were cared for during this critical event. The professionalism, resilience, and teamwork demonstrated that night exemplify the highest standards of emergency communications. |
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| For further information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at [email protected]. |
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