By Kathy Onorato
Dispatchers from Lincoln County Communications gathered May 15 to be recognized for their hard work and celebrate the return of one of their own.
The Lincoln County Communications team: Front row, from left, Melissa Temple, Teresa Grenie; second row, from left, Nicole Merriman, Sarah Sherman, Mark Creamer, Casey Stevens; back row, from left, Rob Bickford, Emily Snowman, Pam Reed, Kathy Blagdon, Sonia Lilly, Tanya Bailey, Bobbie Robinson, Carol Blodgett, Commissioner Bill Blodgett (partially hidden), Josiah Winchenbach, and Tod Hartung. (Kathy Onorato photo) |
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The annual 911 Communications Awards Dinner, usually held in April, was delayed this year until Communications Supervisor Kathy Blagdon could return to work and join her co-workers in the celebration.
The 29-year veteran of the department returned to work in late April following a battle with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer.
Her co-workers all wore specially designed T-shirts with maroon ribbons to support awareness of multiple myeloma.
When Blagdon was asked to come have her photo taken with the cake made in her honor by Amylynn Balsdon, of Boothbay, she replied, “This isn’t supposed to me about me, it was supposed to be about everyone.”
Following a barbecue prepared by The Village Grill in Damariscotta and pasta salad from Sarah’s in Wiscasset, Emergency Management Agency Director Tod Hartung and communications supervisors handed out the yearly awards.
Supervisor Rob Bickford received a lapel pin in recognition for 15 years of service.
Tara Jones and Craig Balsdon were recognized with the Commitment Award for having zero sick time in the 2013 calendar year.
Supervisor Mark Creamer and communications officers Sonia Lilly and Josiah Winchenbach were recognized as Telecommunicators of the Year. This award recognizes an individual or team for outstanding performance and/or teamwork in handling a particularly significant call or incident.
Melissa Temple was recognized as the Silent Hero for 2013. This award recognizes job performance and attitude which improves the atmosphere, morale, and reputation of the communications center.
Lincoln County Board of Commissioners Chairman William Blodgett attended the event and said he hears nothing but compliments throughout the county about the performance of Lincoln County Communications.
“They are the best and do an outstanding job,” Blodgett said.
