The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Communications Chief Laura Shaffer and Communications Officers Morgan Hines of the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office as Missouri Teammates in Action!
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on January 13, 2022, Bollinger County 9-1-1 received a call from a man in a mental crisis. He was barricaded in a residence with his mother and kept saying he was going to make law enforcement kill him. Bollinger County Communications Chief Laura Shaffer and Communications Officer Morgan Hines kept the caller on the line and took handwritten notes of the communication for approximately an hour until Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E Negotiator Sergeant Clark D. Parrott arrived at the Sheriff’s Office.
After Highway Patrol Negotiators arrived, both Communications Officers continued taking notes critical to the negotiation effort and providing pertinent information to the negotiators. With the detailed notes taken, the negotiation team could review previous questions and answers and attained a safe resolution for the subject in crisis. Both nominees remained calm through the nearly 5-hour standoff.
This incident occurred on Communications Operator Hines’ 6th day of employment. The calm and dedication displayed by these Communications professionals is exceptional and we are pleased to recognize them as Missouri Teammates in Action.
To learn more about our Teammates in Action Program, view past recipients or nominate a deserving individual or team please visit our Teammates in Action page!