Memphis 9-1-1 Magazine | March 2024

Memphis 9-1-1 Magazine

March 2024

Memphis leaders advocate on Capitol Hill at 9-1-1 Goes to Washington

MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

ABOUT US

We are one of the busiest 9-1-1 centers in the country.

We receive over 630,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 500,000 non-emergency calls each year.

The MPD Emergency Communications Bureau (ECB) is the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the City of Memphis; and the only provider of Law Enforcement dispatch services for the Memphis Police Department.

We consistently strive to meet the call answer time standard of answering 90 percent of all 9-1-1 calls within 15 seconds.

ECB Monthly Mission

This publication seeks to inspire and motivate ECB telecommunicators by highlighting employee accomplishments.

The selected stories and content are shared with the intent to disseminate useful information about the Bureau, Memphis Police Department and the 9-1-1 industry as a whole.

Furthermore, we aspire to increase transparency and communication between management and the floor; and improve overall employee morale.

colonel tracy burford emergency communications commander

cerelyn davis chief of police, memphis police department

On

2024

12

MEMPHIS 9-1-1

I N T H I S I S S U E

2023 SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR

Administrative Supervisor

Hazel Merriweather takes the top honor. Page 4

Manager McCord completes the Emergence Program. Learn more about Homeland Security and see if this program is right for you. Page 16

2023 DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR

Learn more about Dispatcher

Andrea Neil, senior trainer, union steward and event coordinator. Page 8

Do you know these little monsters on page 23?

SPRD HAZEL MERIWEATHER

S ed o y g cy Communications Bureau. Her promotion to Supervisor in 2019 marked a significant milestone in her career. In her role as the Bravo shift Admin Supervisor, she oversees all aspects related to UKG, guaranteeing accurate recording and tracking of the shift’s time and attendance. She maintains a positive attitude and shares her daily “nugget” to get the shift started. She believes that “everything is done or comes together because of a Team!”

One thing I am looking forward to most in the future would be continuing to excel in all things 911. I want to strengthen my knowledge and experience so that I can continue to serve the citizens of Memphis in whatever capacity I end up in.

What are you most proud of in your career?

The thing I am most proud of to this day out of my 15 ½ years of service with this bureau would have to be when I was asked to participate and be a part of the 50th MLK Commemoration I was able to join them in the Command Post and be in the midst of all of the events. This day was much more than I expected and because MLK is someone I would have loved to talk with or interview, this will have to suffice.

What are some areas of focus you think we can improve on as a Bureau overall?

One area of focus that I feel this bureau can improve upon would have to be that everything is done across the board, no matter who the person is, what shift they work or who they know. Another area of focus would be communication. Everyone should receive the same relayed information and not through passing or from another source. Communication is key!

What are you looking forward to most in the future?

What I look forward to, in the future, is continuing to excel in all tings 9-1-1. I want to strengthen my knowledge and experience so that I can continue to serve the citizens of Memphis in whatever capacity I find myself.

What is your leadership style?

My leadership style is more laid back and hands off. I allow my people to do what they came to do because I am confident that they are more than capable to do their jobs. At times, I must be more assertive based on the circumstances. However, it is always done with love and care.

APRIL 14-20, 2024

A WEEK OF FUN, GOOD FOOD, GAMES & PRIZES, AND JUBILANT CELEBRATION

Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored. We encourage all of you to celebrate and honor yourselves. This is a week for us by us!!

Enjoy and have fun!

The Season of Giving

by Jameta Young

Over the holiday season, I asked my coworkers to consider giving back to those that are less fortunate. Afterall, it was the season of giving. Coming from a family that is BIG on service and the community, I set a personal goal for this service project. I was familiar with Westy’s annual Thanksgiving event, so I reached out to the staff and owner Mr. Jake Schorr. I told them that I wanted to bless the event by donating items. Over a four-week period, we collected hats, scarfs, and gloves for men, women, and children in need. I recall PRD Lawana Stamps asking me if I had a goal. I told her I did but I was scared to say what it was because I didn’t want to fall short. Well, if you really know how we roll in the Emergency Communications Bureau, you shouldn’t be surprised to know that we exceeded my personal goal well over 100 items! I was so excited to deliver the items. When the staff came out to assist, they were at a loss for words and truly grateful. I was able to meet and talk with Mr. Jake for a few minutes. I asked him was there anything else needed. He said, “during this time of year, the homeless community is always in need of socks and blankets.” From that request, came the 2nd project of the season. It is now close to the Christmas season and yes, I asked the ECB to consider helping with this. We collected over 100 pairs of socks and 55 blankets! To say these socks and blankets were of great quality, is an understatement. We had socks for men, women, and children. Again, as we unloaded my vehicle, his staff was overwhelmed! One of the ladies kept saying, “thank you " , "thank you” every time we pulled out another packed box. I left the restaurant with a warm, full heart of joy knowing that we helped someone that we will probably never meet. I would like to give a special thanks to Lawana, Monetta, Shelly, Nzinga, Linda, Jenny and Cyia for going above and beyond in their giving. We are currently working on our next project for the spring which is collecting peanut butter. I’m looking forward to more participation as this item is one that the food bank and MIFA are always in need of.

Always given and received with a smile.

2023DISPATCHEROFTHEYEAR

PRD ANDREA NEIL, ENP

HowlonghaveyoubeenworkinginCommunications?

About8and½years(ifyoudon'tcountmy"hiatus"LOL)

HowdidyoufeelwhenyouheardyouwerenamedDispatcherofthe Year?

Iwastrulyshockedwhenitwasannouncedinrollcall.Iam extremelyhonored.Itmademereflectonhowthisisafullcircle momentformefromwhereIstarted(#IYKYK)andhowfarI've come.

Whataresomeofyourmemorableworkmomentsthisyear?

Youcoordinatealotofactivitiesonyourshiftandinthe Bureau.Whataresomeofthefavoriteactivitiesyouputon?

My#1wouldhavetobeFriendsandFamilyDay Ihave neverthrownsuchaneventbeforesoIwasincredibly nervous Severalco-workersassisted offeringideas,donating itemsortheirtime Buttoseeallthemovingpartscome togetherandbeabletowitnesssomanypeoplesmiling, dancing,andplayingmadeitalltrulyworthit.Mysecond favoritewasourUglyChristmasSweaterparty.Wetriedto doit#AlphaStyle.WiththehelpofLawannaandTashain thekitchen,Ithinkitturnedintoasuccess.

Whoinspiresyouatwork?

Allthetruefirstresponders Ibelieveweareallsuperheroes Wesaveliveseverydaywhenwepickupthephoneand dispatch,aswellastrytobalanceamountainof responsibilitiesoutsideofworksuchasfamily,school,health, andloss Icanlooktomyleftorrightanygivendayandfind inspirationinmycoworkers.

Howwouldyoudescribeyour2023overall?

Thishasbeenthemost"normal"yearformeinmytenure.I creditthebidtoBravowhichallowedmetospendthemost timewithmykids(IstillloveyouAlpha!).It'salsobeenmy busiestyearasIhavetriedtobecomemoreinvolvedwiththe bureau

Whatareyoulookingtomostinthefuture?

Iamreadytoacceptnewchallengesaswellasfurthermy educationwithinthefield IamcurrentlystudyingtobeENP certified Iamalsoexcitedtoseehowthebureauevolves withinthenextfewyears.

IenjoytrainingandteachingPRDT'sthejob SoIwasdefinitely excitedthatIwasselectedasaCTS Ialsoappreciatedthein-service wehadwithSeanandmypeers Lastly,Iwillforeverappreciateall ofthefunthingstheshiftsputtogetherthroughouttheyearsuchas NTWweek,Christmasfestivities,andbirthdayclub

“Personally, I'm proud of how I've grown as a woman and as a mother. Professionally, I'm proud of being a part of something bigger than myself.”

Whatdoyoulikebestaboutyourjob?

Itnevergetsoldbeingthefirstlineofserviceforpeople whoareinneed;it'sstillagratifying(yetstressful) feeling. Ialsoenjoythepaceofthejob,particularlyon thedispatchsidewhileworkingradiossuchasMt MoriahandCrump.Lastly,Iappreciatethe relationshipsthatI'vebuiltwithmycoworkers.Aswe areoftenwitheachothermorethanourownfamily,I valuehavingtheseshoulderstoleanonandearsto confidein

If you have any questions after reading Mgr. McCord‘s article, visit https://www.chds.us/c/academic-programs/emergence/ or see Mgr McCord or SPRD Erica May who is a graduate of the Emergence 2201 Cohort

“It was a memorable and worthwhile experience and I would definitely recommend 10/10 to anyone considering applying.“ ~ SPRD May

Industry Certifications

WhatistheENPCertification?

Certification is a tool of a professional association to establish the benchmarks of performance that will signify a broad-based competence in the professional field. By successfully completing your certification, you will:

Demonstrate a mastery of the comprehensive knowledge base required for emergency number program management.

Help to raise industry standards and increase the respect and prestige of those involved in 9-1-1.

Confirm your commitment to the 9-1-1 profession by showing yourself to be a leader in public safety and pledging yourself to stay aware of current issues and developments in the field.

Visit https://www.nena.org/page/ENP Certification

REGISTERED PUBLIC-SAFETY LEADER (RPL) PROGRAM

Congratulationsto PRDAndreaNeal. Shereceivedher ENPcertification!

APCO International’s Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) Program is designed for individuals interested in developing a solid foundation of management and supervisory skills necessary for successful PSAP operations.

During the RPL Program, you will learn to:

Manage organizations and change

Communicate with confidence and clarity

Develop your talent pool

Build connections and consensus

Enhance team performance

Make a difference within our association and our industry

Apply the skills sets learned for the betterment of our association and our industry

Visit https://www.apcointl.org/training/leadership-programs/

Ready to Roll

ClementMarks DerrickWilks JeredBishop

Once again, officers of the MPD Motors Unit were ready. We call them “The Snow Angels” and they were activated to help those of us that requested help getting back and forth to work. They ensured a safe and on-time arrival for ECB personnel.

Michael Thomas

Hardy Savage

Jered Bishop

JeremiahJohnson ReginaldPalmer

Manager Lovejoy also assisted with the pickups.

Mark them safe!

P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D.

Officer Marks gets a selfie while he waits on his next take home crew.

Gthelh

n!

Major Kellum clears the path. No slip and falls on his watch.

agingio tnmeueu.

GRATITUDE

Communications came together and provided tokens of appreciation for our Snow Angels. Small thanks for getting us to and from work.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Naval Postgraduate School

Center For Homeland Defense and Security Emergence Program

June 29, 2023 – January 19, 2024

ECM Jesse McCord RPL, ENP

Introduction

The Emergence Program offered by the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) is an innovative educational initiative aimed at equipping leaders with comprehensive insights into complex homeland security challenges Spanning over seven months, the program serves as a melting pot for professionals across various governmental agencies to collaborate and broaden their understanding of homeland security.

Diverse Representation

The 2023-2024 cohort showcased an impressive array of participants from high-profile federal and state agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the State Department, the U S Secret Service, Border Patrol, Washington D.C. Metro Police, New York State Transit Police, New York City Police, Louisiana National Guard, DHS Counterterrorism, Cococino County Emergency Management, Maryland Emergency Management, California Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Coast Guard. This diverse representation fostered a rich exchange of perspectives and experiences, enhancing the learning environment

Curriculum and Topics

The program's curriculum was meticulously designed to cover a wide range of critical topics relevant to homeland security:

· Critical Thinking: Emphasizing analytical skills essential for navigating complex security challenges.

· Climate Change: Addressing the impacts of environmental changes on national security.

· Health Security: Exploring strategies to strengthen responses to health crises and pandemics

· Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology: Delving into the advancements and implications of these rapidly evolving fields.

· Force Multipliers: Understanding tools and strategies that amplify security efforts.

· Cybersecurity Trends: Keeping pace with the evolving landscape of digital threats.

· Extremism & Radicalization: Analyzing the roots and prevention of radical ideologies

These are just a few of the over 40 topics covered in the 7 months by over 25 instructors brought in from all over the United States. The course load was heavy but extremely relevant to the topics that were being discussed.

Practical Applications

A key strength of the program was its focus on practical applicability across all levels of government Discussions and case studies were tailored to ensure that the insights gained were not only theoretical but also directly translatable to real-world scenarios. This approach enabled participants to apply their learning in their respective roles, enhancing the collective capacity to address homeland security challenges.

Impact on Leadership

For many attendees, including myself, the Emergence Program was transformative It not only broadened our understanding of homeland security issues but also refined our leadership skills The exposure to a multitude of perspectives and the in-depth exploration of various topics made us better equipped to lead and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. In addition to this professional exposure, the program also fostered friendships and promoted future collaboration between homeland security professionals.

Collaboration

I was lucky enough to be able to be present during the intersecting schedules of my Emergence program, CHDS Executive Leaders Program, and the CHDS Masters’ Program. Over 100 Homeland Security professionals were present, and their presence was leveraged to conduct joint sessions and one-on-one breakout sessions for discussion and collaboration. This was the highlight of the entire program as it exposed everyone to multiple disciplines and levels of leadership Both the Executive Leaders and Master’s Degree Programs were attended by homeland security and private sector leaders continuing their education in the latter half of their careers. Their knowledge, expertise, and experience were bountiful founts of knowledge from which to expand my knowledge.

Conclusion

The CHDS Emergence Program stands as a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary learning and collaboration in the realm of homeland security. By bringing together a diverse group of professionals and immersing them in a comprehensive curriculum, the program fosters a generation of leaders who are more knowledgeable, adaptable, and prepared to tackle the security challenges of today and tomorrow. As a proud alumnus, I can attest to the program's effectiveness in enhancing leadership capabilities and providing i l bl i i ht i t th ltif t d at f h l d d f d it

PRD LaQuange Watkins decorates the hall!

loveandjoy

IT’S A LOOK OF INTENSITY; HOWEVER, THE OUTCOME IS A SMILE AT THE BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED TREE FOR ECB!

Bravo Goes Purple for Women’s History Month

Each day during rollcall, a shift member shared a women’s history fact with the group.

Notsure what’sgoing onhere...

Charlie Shift too!

TRUNK OR TREAT 2023

WHO DO THEY BELONG TO?

9-1-1 Goes to Washington (#NENAGTW) brings hundreds of our fellow 9-1-1 professionals together with government leaders in our nation's capital to address today's most pressing 9-1-1 and emergency communications issues.

#NENAGTW is the only event where you learn about the policy challenges facing 9-1-1 and then take immediate action to address them through dialogue with your elected and appointed officials

Col. Burford, Mgr. Sims, Senator Hagerty, Senator Blackburn, SPRD Phillips, Mgr. Lovejoy

Public Safety 9-1-1 Professionals Should be Classified as a Protective Service Occupation

The 9-1-1 SAVES Act (H.R. 6319/S. 3556) would require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the Standard Occupational Classification System to categorize Public Safety Professionals as a “Protective Service Occupation.”

Senate Leads (S. 3556)

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

House Leads (H.R. 6319)

Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA)

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) Plus 100 bipartisan co-sponsors

Sen. John Thune (R-SD)

Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC)

Sen. Angus King (I-ME)

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

WhatYouNeedtoKnow

House of Education and Workforce Committee

•9-1-1SAVESwouldcostnothingtoenact,butitwouldproperlyrecognizetheskilled,difficult workthatmorethan100,000+9-1-1professionalsperformeveryday.Thecurrent“clerical” classificationdoesnotreflectthenatureofourwork.

•Asevidencemountsforthechronicemotionalandphysicaltollofanswering9-1-1 callsdaily,9-1-1SAVESwouldenableresearchersandpolicymakerstogathermoreaccurate workforcedataandevaluatetargetedsupportandbenefits.

•Agrowinglistofstatesandlocalitieshavealreadyreclassified9-1-1professionals,reflecting widespreadagreementthat9-1-1ismuchmorethanaclericalcareer.

•TheSenatebill(S.3556)alsocontainstwoFederalCommunicationsCommissionreporting requirementsregardingKari’sLawimplementationandoutagenotifications keepingthe legislationintheSenateCommerce&TransportationCommittee’sjurisdiction.

For More Information:

Rep. Torres| Victoria Cervantes: victoria.cervantes@mail.house.gov

Sen. Klobuchar| Baz Selassie: baz selassie@klobuchar.senate.gov

Sen. Blackburn | Michael Marn: michael marn@blackburn.senate.gov

NENA - The 9-1-1 Association: Jonathan Gilad, jgilad@nena.org

914 -500-3146

NextGeneration9-1-1Deployment

The NG911 Act (H.R. 3565) would allocate $15 billion in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum auction revenues to accelerate deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 in every state and community nationwide. This bill passed the House Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously on May 24, 2023. NENA supports the framework of this bill and hopes the Senate will soon take up a companion version.

SenateLeads

• Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)

• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

WHATNG9-1-1WILLFIX:

HouseLeads(H.R.3565)

• Rep. Cathy Rogers (R-WA)

• Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)

House of Education and Workforce Committee

Voice-only, analog connectivity. Current 9-1-1 systems rely mostly on analog technology and verbal communications, creating risks for callers who need to remain silent or those with hearing or speech disabilities. A digital system would enable callers to share rich data like videos, photos, or data with the 9-1-1 center.

Lack of robust caller information. In its current form, 9-1-1 struggles to provide precise caller location; information from sensors or alarms, or caller health history. Mobile devices have robust data capabilities, and 9-1-1 should be able to tap into them.

Inability to smoothly route and transfer calls. 9-1-1 is plagued by “misroutes” in which a call to 91-1 from a mobile phone may be relayed to the wrong jurisdiction. Misroutes can add precious seconds and minutes to a 9-1-1 call, which can mean life or death for people in emergency situations

Lack of interoperability between agencies, jurisdictions, and services. In most communities, it is difficult to share information quickly and seamlessly across jurisdictional lines, complicating emergency responses that cross local boundaries.

Cyber risks. NG9-1-1 provides increased security from cyberattacks and outages. Haves and havenots. The NG9-1-1 Act will provide an opportunity for all eligible states, territories, and tribal entities to deploy Next Generation 9-1-1, creating a more uniform 9-1-1 experience for everyone in the U.S., no matter where they are.

Trades yesterday’s copper landline technology for today’s advanced internet-protocol-based networks.

Our local 9-1-1 systems cannot continue to meet Americans’ needs without fundamental upgrades to Next Generation 9-1-1.

ForMoreInformation: Jonathan Gilad, Government Affairs Director, NENA-The 9-1-1 Association, jgilad@nena.org, 914-500-3146

Karonda Well Wishes

Karonda thanks for training me as as a dispatcher and a supervisor. You have an extensive knowledge of 9-1-1 and the Bureau and were willing to share it with everyone. I will miss our light laughs. Sad to see you go, still wishing you all the best.

- Erica May

We came into this profession together (116's) and I do hate to see you leave, however, I know that you will flourish at whatever you do because of your known skills of being a compassionate and caring person. I would like to wish you the best on all of your future endeavors and pray that you land where your heart is content.

- Hazel Merriweather

Karonda,

Congratulations on your new endeavor. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you over the years. Thank you for all your contributions to the bureau. Continue to be the sweet, caring, and hard working person that you are. Wishing you all the best.

~ Metrica Spears

I will always remember Karonda as a great communicator and motivator to the Bureau. You will be missed.

- Margaret Stiger

-utalseo oioneo aloreneg eooona ltehoaoe odciohe noieie aiee

The Brass and the Field stop by and visit Communications.

Back whenI was on patrol...

Charlotte is filled with enthusiasm as she reads positive OBRS during First Friday.

Trina, Courtney, Ashley and Andrea are able to stop and smile because there are plenty of people in “READY”.

We have a new class in training.

Ashley and Trina give the new class a tour of the floor.

Yes that’s Leiser in the new class. Be sure to cheer them on.

Catching UP

I saw former SPRD Latausha Blair at World Overcomers Church where she is on staff. She was coordinating a community event where MPD is partnering with the church to make informational videos for the community. I spoke on Communications. Tausha helped me prepare for the recording and even gave me some pointers with my script! She said to tell everyone she says hello. -

Erica May

She loves to come and visit.

Always with a smile.

Watch Commander Rita Jackson