Heroic Dispatcher Earns Dual Honors, Celebrating Community Commitment

In a commendable display of dedication and excellence, Deschutes County 9-1-1 dispatcher Melissa Fitzgerald stood out during her graduation from the Basic Telecommunicator Class on February 13. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work and the unwavering commitment of the county's emergency services to the community.

Acknowledgment of Excellence

Fitzgerald was honored with two prestigious awards: the Victor G. Atiyeh Award and the Carol Fagan Award for Academic Excellence. These awards serve not only as recognition of her academic performance but also as a reflection of her ability to inspire and lead her peers throughout the rigorous training program.

Peer Recognition and Academic Achievement

The Victor G. Atiyeh Award is particularly notable as it is determined by peer votes, recognizing students who garner respect and admiration from their instructors and classmates. Fitzgerald demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to wellness, which are crucial traits for a role that is pivotal in public safety.

In addition to this accolade, she also secured the Carol Fagan Award, which is awarded to the top academic performer in her class. Together, these honors highlight not only her individual strengths but also the collective dedication to service among the dispatch team.

Fitzgerald's accomplishments serve as an inspiration and reinforce the importance of effective emergency communication in ensuring the well-being of the community. Her story is a reminder of how individual excellence contributes to the greater good in public service roles.