Congratuations to LeRon Lewis for winning the Regional Outstanding Telecommunications Dispatcher award.
LeRon has been employed with the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office as a 911 dispatcher since the summer of 2006. LeRon started as a call taker and learned the responsibilities of the position very quickly. Because of his ability to learn tasks quickly he was promoted to dispatcher within 4 months of being hired by the county. From the first day as a dispatcher he was calm and seemed a perfect fit for the position. From the outside looking in you would have never known he was new to the position. LeRon is an excellent fire/rescue dispatcher for Spotsylvania County. His experience as a field medic and firefighter enhances and supplements his capability to dispatch fire and rescue. He uses superb judgment and possesses excellent decision making skills. He is quick to "think on his feet" to handle various types of situations. LeRon is capable of handling several major incidents all while maintaining a professional attitude and demeanor.
Recently, a citizen of Spotsylvania County call the 911 center because her brother who lived in Georgia was attempting to kill himself via overdose and was in and out of consciousness. LeRon stayed on the phone with the woman while trying to contact the appropriate jurisdiction in Georgia. He was successful in his notification of the 911 center. LeRon remained on line with the 911 center and was able to give the woman an update on her brother's status. Due to LeRons dedication, knowledge, and compassion he was able to save a life hundreds of miles away and be that kind caring compassionate voice on the other end of a phone that helped this woman through a family crisis.
LeRon also uses his dispatching knowledge to help new providers understand the dispatching system to include:
? Why you may have a delayed response in communications from a dispatcher ? The stress dispatcher's experience ? Proper language to use when communicating on the radio ? Improper language used in radio communications ? Schedule 911 Center Rotations for fire and rescue providers with an interest ? Sends notices out to the agencies regarding changes or issues that may arise with the communication center.
