Lifesaving, Lifegiving Efforts Of Dispatchers Honored

SUMMIT, NJ - Dispatchers serving Summit, Millburn and New Providence as part of the Mountain Valley Emergency Communications Center were honored for their lifesaving, lifegiving and safety efforts in 2018.

Established in 2014, the Borough of New Providence, City of Summit and Township of Millburn combined their dispatch centers forming the new Shared Dispatch Center, today known as the Mountain Valley Emergency Communications Center. The primary mission, which is to serve the citizens of New Providence, Summit and Millburn, by acting as a communications link between the citizen who needs an emergency service response, and those law enforcement, fire, and medical response agencies that provide such services without the duplication of staff resources and technology.

The Shared Dispatch Center Management Board and Emergency Communications Executive Director Scott W. Ruf annually recognizes the dedicated service of Public Safety Dispatchers and presented the 2018 Telecommunicator of the Year award to Communications Supervisor William Griffin.

Other 2018 Award Recipients and details of their actions:

Commendation Award – Rachel Petersen

Communication Officer Rachel Petersen is receiving this commendation for the professional, efficient and excellence in the performance and managing her duties during a male unconscious, not breathing call in New Providence on July 27, 2018. Rachel was able to keep the caller calm and provide CPR instructions to the 9-1-1 caller as another person started CPR. Shortly after police and EMS units arrived the male patient was again breathing and transported in critical condition to the hospital. It was noted by police and EMS personnel that Rachel did an outstanding job handling this call and was instrumental in the life-saving efforts of the man.

Commendation Award – Michael Mollo

Communication Officer Michael Mollo is receiving this commendation for the professional, efficient and excellence in the performance and managing his duties during a suicide call in Summit on October 2, 2018. Michael was able to keep the caller calm and provide CPR instructions to the 9-1-1 caller and a second person on scene. Michael remained focused and consistent with the information being provided and making sure they understood his every word and direction. Michael not only kept his control and emotions under control during this very difficult call, he also provided the callers with compassion and kindness. It was noted by police and his co-workers that Michael did an outstanding job handling this call.

Commendation Award – Keely Heyman

Deputy Director Keely Heyman is receiving this commendation for the professional, efficient and excellence in the performance and managing her duties during a childbirth call in Summit on January 30, 2019. Keely was able to keep the husband calm and provided childbirth instructions to him, aiding in the delivery of a newborn baby girl. Shortly after police and EMS units arrived they confirmed the successful birth of the child and that mother and baby were safe and healthy. It was noted by police and EMS personnel that Keely did an outstanding job handling this call and was instrumental in the safe delivery of the child.

Unit Citation Award – COIII A. Gruber, CO M. Mollo, CO B. Guerriero, CO K. Heyman

A-Squad is receiving this citation for the professional, efficient and excellence in the performance and managing their duties during an armed robbery in Millburn, NJ on August 23, 2018. The 9-1-1 center staff gathered and disseminated information to responding law enforcement officers from Millburn and the surrounding area. It was noted by police personnel that the 9-1-1 staff did an outstanding job handling this call.

Unit Citation Award – COIII M. Turner, COII K. Jackson, CO David Geraghty

C-Squad is receiving this citation for the professional, efficient and excellence in the performance and managing their duties during a domestic disturbance call involving weapons in Millburn, NJ on May 25, 2018. The 9-1-1 center staff gathered and disseminated information to responding law enforcement officers from Millburn and the surrounding area. The 9-1-1 staff continually monitored the incident, coordinated area road closings, the activation of the Emergency Services Unit, and the many requests for information and coordination of surrounding town’s resources to help support Milburn Police with and up to the safe and successful conclusion of the incident.It was noted by police personnel that the 9-1-1 staff did an outstanding job handling this call.

Unit Citation Award – COIII W. Griffin, COII K. Jackson, CO K. Heyman

B-Squad is receiving this citation for the professional, efficient and excellence in the performance and managing their duties during an abandoned 9-1-1 call/domestic violence call in Summit, NJ on March 29, 2018. At approximately 11:00pm the 9-1-1 center staff received and abandoned 9-1-1 call with a female calling for “Help.” The supervisor advised the patrol supervisor from Summit PD as other staff began ponging the cell phone to try and find a location of the caller. Verizon Wireless was contacted to obtain owner and billing information for the phone number. The 9-1-1 staff was advised that it came back to a female in Massapequa, NY on Long Island. Dispatchers contacted the Nassau County Police to do a welfare check and attempt to contact the owner and/or try to determine why and where she may be in Summit, NJ. The Nassau County Police were aware of the address and history of domestic violence at the residence and was able to obtain a location in Summit of the female. Summit Police responded to the Summit address where they were able to make contact with the caller and handle the incident. It was noted by police personnel that the 9-1-1 staff did an outstanding job handling this call.

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