Date: September 17, 2020
This story was originally posted by APCO and can be located here.
On the evening of May 22, 2020, Cole County, Missouri, experienced an EF3 tornado. Six public safety telecommunicators were on-duty at the Jefferson County Police Department Communications Center.
As at many communications centers, standard staffing is stressful under normal circumstances. When a major event unfolds, you rely on your partners to rise to the occasion, both on-duty and those away from the center.
As the storm approached the center of the county, heavy damage was being reported. It soon become evident that the on-duty crew would be overwhelmed.
Off-duty communications officer Meagan Schlitt responded to the backup center and coordinated with off-duty CO Rachel Irey. The two traveled in very hazardous conditions to assist the citizens and field responders of Cole County and Jefferson City. They were met by off-duty COs Donna Jordan, Lisa Dittmer and retired supervisor Donna Jordan. Together they came to support on-duty COs Anna Thomas, Jennifer Cain, Don McGovern, Heather Reven, Jessica Bohannan and supervisor Angie Stiefermann.
The team from Jefferson City is recognized in the APCO Teammates in Action program for their example of the daily dedication and selfless service to others that personifies the nature of the first-first responder.
Read more of the story here.