The Benton County Central Dispatch Team is currently being honored as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, April 14-20. The event was initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California. It is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public, and a time to be aware of their hard work and dedication.
“We celebrate by decorating our center, having a theme dress up throughout the week, providing dinners to each shift and gifts of appreciation, and having a group activity,” said Jessica Mayfield, Director of Communications, MO 911 Directors Association – Region 2 Representative, and Emergency Management Director. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to each member of our Benton County Central Dispatch Team for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Their professionalism and commitment to excellence in answering calls for help are truly commendable. The Benton County Community is fortunate to have such highly trained individuals serving them. Thank you for your invaluable service.”
In 2023 the 911 Center responded to a total of 41,855 calls. Of those calls 11,514 were for emergencies and 30,341 were administrative or non-emergency calls.
When someone dials 911, trained dispatchers connect callers with the appropriate emergency services including law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
In addition to Jessica Mayfield, the 911 staff includes the following:
Terminal Agency Coordinator, Brenda Hilburn – 11 Years of Experience, Certified Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Certified, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Hostage Negotiator, CPR Certified
Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator – Susie James – 13 Years of Experience, Certified Training Officer
Shift Lead, Melissa Stover – 17 Years of Experience, Certified Training Officer, Training Coordinator, Certified Supervisor, Crisis Intervention Certified, Hostage Negotiator, Emergency Medical Dispatch Queue, CPR Certified
Shift Lead, Holly Vest – 9 Years of Experience, Certified Training Officer, Certified Supervisor, Crisis Intervention Certified, Emergency Medical Dispatch Queue, CPR Certified
Shift Lead, Justin King – 5 years of Experience, Certified Supervisor, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Shift Lead, Karmen Smith – 3 Years of Experience, Certified Training Officer, Certified Supervisor, Crisis Intervention Certified, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Dispatcher, Ron Cobb – 4 Years of Experience, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Dispatcher, Courtney Cox – 2 Years of Experience, Crisis Intervention Certified, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Dispatcher, Bill Jaekel – 3 Years of Experience, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Dispatcher, Mykal Keirns – 2 Years of Experience, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Dispatcher, Katie McFarland – 4 Years of Experience, Crisis Intervention Certified, Emergency Medical Dispatch Queue, CPR Certified
Dispatcher, John Migliazzo – 11 Years of Experience, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Dispatcher, Aleea Paulsen – 1 Year of Experience, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
Part-Time Dispatcher, Pat Banks – 49 Years of Experience, Certified Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Certified, Hostage Negotiator, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, CPR Certified
www.bing.com reports that in Missouri, 911 should be dialed only in emergency situations that require immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance services. Some examples are:
1. Heart attack or stroke
2. House fire
3. Domestic violence
4. Burglary or theft in progress
5. Car accidents
6. Suspicious activities
7. Anything else that seems like an emergency!
