This team did an outstanding job creating a fully functioning dispatch center in the EOC. From design to implementation, they were able to meet the needs for the minimum number of phone and dispatch positions needed to enable CRESA to serve the needs of our citizens and user agencies in Clark County.
The team also reassembled all positions on the newly remodeled dispatch floor and training room in record time. As with the move to the EOC the move back to the dispatch floor was seamless.
The dispatch remodel project required many moving parts and a lot of coordination. With all of the technological moves and requirements many things could have gone wrong. This team went above and beyond to make sure both moves were done as quickly and efficiently as possible with no interruptions in service.
Our entire Tech Department deserves recognition for their tremendous efforts during the floor remodel. They managed to put together a temporary home for dispatch in the EOC that, all things considered, exceeded what any of us could reasonably expect. While working extended hours they fielded pet peeves, complaints, and demands with grace and professionalism. The alternative would have been a much less comfortable situation squeezed into our backup center with all the logistical nightmares baked in.On top of that heroic effort, they managed build back our dispatch floor from the ground up.
The Tech team, not only for their performance but also because their work on this project truly meets all the values of CRESA: Dedication, Integrity, Creativity, Passion, Communication and Concern.
******************************
******************************************************
On the morning of December 8th, 2024 Jackie answered a call that initially seemed like a mental health issue. The caller was unable to provide a valid name or address or articulate exactly what kind of help she needed. Jackie relied on her years of experience that provided her with the intuition that something wasn't right. Rather than transferring the caller elsewhere or disconnecting when the caller couldn't clearly communicate a need for police, fire or EMS, Jackie started thinking about options. She realized that due to time of day, a response from police to check an area for the caller would take too long. She opted to send medical instead and worked relentlessly to get the caller to open her door to identify the apartment number. When that wasn't successful, Jackie moved on to other options like RapidSOS location provided by RAVE to narrow down the possible floor of the apartment and the lat/long position of the caller.
While Jackie was speaking with the caller, all of Jackie's co-workers sprang into action to help. Everybody demonstrated creativity by thinking outside the box and flexed their resourcefulness by trying numerous different ways to get a good location or better information to the responders who were on the way. Jodi, Robyn, Suzie, Amber and Carrie all played a role in helping their teammate and connecting the caller to help. Eventually, the caller was located by AMR and VFD who found that she was likely suffering from a stroke. Without the teamwork, dedication, persistence and creativity displayed by the group, this patient surely would have suffered a much worse outcome due to any delay in receiving treatment for her stroke.
**************************************
Shelly joined the Finance Division team in February of 2024 as the Public Records Specialist, and in less than a year, accomplished significant improvements in the areas of public records management and citizen engagement, benefitting the agency, community members and other PSAPs statewide.
Shelly lead the way in developing a new public records fee schedule for the agency and implementing it through adoption by the CRESA Board. This included significant research, updating policy, holding a public hearing, implementation of online payment system and working with GovQA to integrate payments. Payments are now being seamlessly received and tracked. Shelly also took the lead on researching options for moving to an electronic, text-message based, citizen survey platform. After researching and meeting with multiple vendors, she lead the project to implement the My90 system. This improved our citizen survey process both in terms of efficiency and response.
The previous process of mailing paper surveys yielded only about 10 completed responses per month. Through the My90 system, we are now receiving hundreds of responses monthly, and there is little to no staff time required for these automated surveys. Shelly also developed a comprehensive job manual for the Public Records Specialist position, and achieved professional accreditation as a certified Public Records Officer (PRO) through the Washington Association of Public Records Officers (WAPRO).
The PRO certification demonstrates the recipient maintains the highest professional standards, met significant educational requirements and demonstrates personal commitment and dedication to administering the Washington State Public Records Act. Lastly, Shelly single-handedly founded the PSAP “Public Records Support Group” which now includes over 20 Public Records Officers from other 911 Centers across the State. The group meets monthly in a virtual setting to discuss topics, trends and questions regarding public records issues unique to PSAPS. She brought in specialized training for the group from the State of Washington Attorney General’s Office and is organizing an upcoming training with MRSC. Shelly accomplished all this while being a friendly new face in the Front Office and a joy to work with! Thank you Shelly!
*********************************
In 2024, Justine accomplished a groundbreaking milestone by completing the first countywide Disaster Fuel Management Plan in the state of Washington.
Justine's achievement involved consolidating three pre-existing plans, each at varying levels of completion, into a singular, comprehensive document.
By preserving and building upon the foundational work already accomplished, she demonstrated a remarkable ability to optimize resources and utilize the efforts of her predecessors.
Simultaneously, Justine undertook the crucial task of training multiple partners on how to collect the data necessary for the plan.
This dual focus not only ensured the integration of accurate and relevant information but also strengthened the capacity of current and future collaborators.
Her work not only saved valuable time and effort but also created a plan that integrates seamlessly with new data from current and future partners.
This comprehensive plan represents a forward-thinking strategy that enhances the county's resilience against potential disasters.
Justine's ability to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and implement a cohesive vision has significantly strengthened our community's preparedness and safety.
Through her exceptional efforts, Justine Magnoni-Garver has exemplified the values of service, innovation, and leadership.