ECB MONTHLY MAY 2021: Magazine featuring Memphis' 9-1-1 Professionals

MAY 2021

ECB MONTHLY Official publication of the MPD Emergency Communications Bureau

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.

ECB Monthly Mission This front-line led publication seeks to

The MPD Emergency Communications Bureau

inspire and motivate ECB telecommunicators by highlighting employee accomplishments.

(ECB) is the primary Public Safety Answering Point

The selected stories and content are

(PSAP) for the City of

shared with the intent to disseminate

Memphis; and the only provider of Law Enforcement

useful information about the Bureau, Memphis Police Department and the 9-1-1 industry as a whole.

dispatch services for the Memphis Police Department.

Furthermore, we aspire to increase transparency and communication

We consistently meet the national standard by answering 95.4% of our 9-1-1 calls in less than 20 seconds.

michael spencer emergency communications administrator james ryall director of police services

between management and the floor; and improve overall employee morale.

TABLE OF CONTENTS * MAY 2021 * ISSUE TEN Tacky Day on Charlie Shift

I think dispatchers have a thankless job and you all don’t get thanked enough! You have to possess a certain skill to be a police officer, but even I don’t think I have what it takes to do your job. Listening to a radio with thirty voices, while giving out calls, then we ask you to call complainants back. That is a task. I try to be one of the easier officers on your frequency. - Officer J. Cole, 2020 MPD TOP COP

More with the TOP COP on page

44

MOTHER'S DAY FEATURE STORY PRD Brittany Richardson shares her appreciation for her mother, Ridgeway Lieutenant Trina Johnson.

14 4

22

NTW 2021: BEST WEEK EVER

38

2020 MEMPHIS POLICE AWARDS Dispatcher & Supervisor of the Year, Administrative Excellence Awards

from the administrator's desk Mike Spencer

8

12

MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTES

42

LIFE AFTER DISPATCH

FUN QUESTIONS WITH LEADERSHIP

44

BEST IN BLUE SPOTLIGHT

47

UNION UPDATES

Lessons learned from our leaders entrance into the workforce

20

how we train Communications Training Officer Toya Dodson

29

50

LOUSIANA TERT DEPLOYMENT Orleans Communication Parish District

34

51

CO-WORKER KUDOS Janee Lewis to Amber Starks

ECB MONTHLY TEAM

Clifton Cattron

MPD's 2020 TOP COP award winner Jhukuruin Cole

Mendi Shull

REPRESENT YOUR SCHOOL South Side High School Alumni

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Erica May

Chief Administrator: Michael Spencer Editor-in-Chief, Deraneque Rogers Editor, Erica May Contributor, Sam Stamper

MAY 2021 | FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR'S DESK

MIKE'S MINUTE

“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean

MICHAEL SPENCER

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR

Changes, Changes, Changes The Memphis Police Department is changing every day.

We have had several promotions in Communications. The Department has had promotions in the field and we have a new Chief of Police.

These are exciting times and I wish everyone in a new role the best luck. I want to say Congratulations to Erica May, Jesse McCord and Jameta Young. Supervisors May and McCord have been promoted and Dispatcher Young will be promoted as soon as the manager's vacancy is filled. We completed the manager's process and your new shift manager will be announced this month. These are exciting times and we are poised to experience a lot of

MICHAEL SPENCER, ENP, CMCP

positive changes.

"... be kind to everyone you work with. Be We continue to work on the renovations at 201 Poplar.

the bright spot in their day and always

The work on the new training/roll call room and break

offer words of encouragement when given

room refresh should be completed by the end of this

the opportunity."

- Mike Spencer

summer. We are working on the radio project and we hope to have a full cut over by the end of the year. When

I promise you we are doing everything we can to get more

we are fully transitioned to the new system, we will begin

help. We desperately want to eliminate mandatory overtime.

receiving GPS information from the officer's radios. This will greatly improve officer safety and allow you as

Thanks again to our CTOs and CTS' who have been training

dispatchers to get our officers the help they need faster

back to back classes for over five years now. I know it is

and more efficiently.

exhausting and I really appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Dewanda completed work on the ShotSpotter to CAD interface. This allows ShotSpotter to send the data directly to the CAD, eliminating the need for a dispatcher to watch it 24/7. I know you already have enough to do, so it was important for us to get that working and make the pilot program successful. It wasn’t easy but it turned out great.

We are hiring….again!

On a more somber note, we have several employees that have experienced loss, tragedies and/or traumatic experiences outside of work. Please keep all of your coworkers in your prayers. Our ECB family is so big that at any given moment, someone is going through a life changing event. I found the graphic on the next page about a person's life and I think it is a powerful visual of something we should remember. Continue to be kind to everyone you work with.

Be the bright spot in their day and always offer words of encouragement when given the opportunity. We can't take

I encourage each of you to find someone and tell them we

care of the officers or citizens if we don’t take care of each

are hiring. We are about 23 positions short from our

other first. My door is always open and we can move

desired complement of 155 dispatchers. We have seen

mountains if we work together.

glimpses the last couple of months of what it might look

- Mike

like when we reach that number.

PROMOTIONS Administrator Michael Spencer present newly promoted supervisors Erica May and Jesse McCord with certificates during Bravo shift's roll call.

“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future” -John F. Kennedy “If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” -Maya Angelou

Welcome to our new police chief, Cerelyn "CJ" Davis.

What exciting times for Memphis!

MAY 2021

ISSUE TEN

VIRTUAL 9-1-1 CONFERENCE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

Professional development helps employees continue to not only be competent in their IS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPORTANT TO YOU?

profession, but also excel in it. It should be an ongoing process that continues throughout an individual’s career.

source: bizjournals

Actively pursuing professional development ensures that knowledge and skills stay NEVER STOP LEARNING

relevant and up to date. It also allows employees to be more aware of changing trends and directions in an industry.

TRAINING REFRESHER thedispatchlab.com

Fore more educational and training resources, visit thedispatchlab.com

SPRD HAZEL MERIWEATHER "Our Mommy sacrificed her world to give us a perfect one. Nothing compares to a mother's love, but our mommy's love compares to none." ~ Kirsten, Kailah, Kennedy

MGR DERANECQUE ROGERS Our Mother is a book, not a quote. She spent years chasing her dreams and building bridges for her children to cross to theirs. She defied the odds set against her. Ask her about it. ~ DeAndrew, Dantoinia, & Deronai

SPRD MARGARET STIGER My Mom has always been there to support me even when everyone else gave up. She is the main reason why I never give up. ~William Stiger aka Lil' Will

Dear Momma,

- ECB Management

DEAR MOMMA,

SPRD METRICA SPEARS "You left me beautiful memories.

Your love is still my guide, and though I cannot see you, you're always at my side."

I love and miss you dearly. You were THE best mother, confidant and fishing buddy I could ever ask for.

Happy Heavenly Mother's Day! Metrica

SPRD ROSALIND PHILLIPS You are my greatest gift from God. You have been my best friend and my mentor. What I have achieved in my life is because of your guidance and strong support. You are my source of power and motivation. ~ Your Daughter Rosalind

SPRD KARONDA KIRKWOOD Sometimes a girl just needs her momma. And sometimes a Momma just needs her baby girl.

Love you Mom, ~Karonda

It's amazing to have a 9-1-1 mom. It's awesome to see how far she has come in her life and to see her in a position to help others. I want to tell my mother that no matter what has happened in the past, I love her too dearly and wouldn't trade her for the world." - Blayne, 17

PRD EMILY BEILSTEIN

I love that my mom is a dispatcher. She has grown so much from having this job. Not only is she good at what she does, but she enjoys it. She has worked hard to get where she is now. I am thankful my mom has always for been there for me, through everything, no matter how mad I made her.

She's an amazing mom.

Happy Mother's Day. Kylee, 14

MAY 2021

ISSUE TEN

FUN QUESTIONS GETTING TO KNOW OUR LEADERS

What was your First Job?

CREW MEMBER TARGET

My first real job was at Target. I worked in the what they called “hard-lines”, which was basically any area that wasn’t clothes. I was 17 and worked there for about six months, just long enough to turn 18 so I could work at FedEx. Target paid minimum wage which was $5.15/then. When I got my first paycheck, I gave it to my dad to pay my car insurance. I learned that you never get anything extra unless you ask and in the corporate world, there are no second chances. They can fire you at will. I had a couple friends that were hired on with me that were late twice and they fired them on the spot. When I decided to leave that job for a better one, I gave them a month’s notice. My first boss was happy for me and gave me some great advice that I have followed ever since. On my last day, she told me if you are going to leave a job, always do it to better your situation somehow, and never burn the bridge when you go. I’m proud to say that all these years later, I’m eligible for rehire at any of my previous employers.- Manager Sean Lovejoy

Liberty Land Amusement Park Supv Jeremiah King Kroger Supv Margaret Stiger

BES BR T BIG OT HE R! PAPER BOY MEMPHIS PRESS

My first job was a paper boy with the Memphis Press-Scimitar newspaper.

(Now out of business) I was 16 years old and worked there for two years. I learned how to manage having a job and completing my schoolwork. My first paycheck was $40. I took my brothers to the movies and bought them some snacks. - Manager Eddie Heaston

TRUCK LOADER CONSOLIDATED FREIGHTWAYS

I was 20 years old and I worked there for about three years. I made $15.49/hour.

We didn't have set schedules. I learned hard work pays off. The harder you worked, the more hours they gave you.

When I got my first paycheck, I did something real fun--paid my car insurance. -ECA Mike Spencer

What was your First Job? CASHIER

"There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes."

- William J. Brennan

KROGER

My very first job was at TCBY on Union. I was forced to resign by my mother in my first week because they did not honor my 8pm curfew on a school night. They needed staff to stay until 10pm and close the business.

Soon after, at the age of 16, I was employed by Kroger for $4.70/hour in 1997. I worked at the store at Shelby Drive and Riverdale and at 4075 American Way before it closed. Minimum wage was 4.75 in 1997. I was told because I was underage, they did not have to pay me minimum wage until after the 90-day probationary period. I don't recall exactly what I did with my first paycheck, but I remember opening an account at a credit union. I know I was supposed to pay for gas and save for my senior year. Some of my first purchases over the summer were a Tommy Hilfiger shirt, jeans, and sneakers. I also got very short acrylic nails with French tips, color contact lenses and a SONY Walkman DISC player. These were popular and important during this time. These were all things my mother was not a fan of, but she overlooked simply saying "It's your money."

I learned to be responsible, save money, and pay for my heart's desires with the occasional splurge. I found value in independence. At work, I learned about customer service, organizational structure, and teamwork. I can remember watching the managers walk the store, make comments, give instructions, and then stand around and look like they were doing nothing. I wanted to be with those guys. I know now partially because of Kroger that leadership requires job knowledge and development of your abilities both socially, and professionally. Leadership is not instant. I worked my way up from a grocery sacker, to cashier, to a customer service clerk upon my leaving in 1999.

Supervisor Karonda Kirkwood

DATA ENTRY/ CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRAL RECORDS - CITY OF MEMPHIS

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE GRINNELL

PLUMBING CO.

I was nineteen and I worked there for more than two years. The pay was $5.75/hour and I was living on my own so I paid bills with my first pay check. I learned how to be punctual and I also learned that if you do not go to work, you do not get paid. That's a no brainer now, but not so much at the age of nineteen.

Some other lessons I picked up were how to responsible, professional and how to practice gratitude.

- Supervisor Regina Webster

My first job was in Central Records at 16 years old. I was a part of a summer jobs program and they placed me there through a temporary agency. It's been a long time, but I think I made about $5.75/ hour. I put my first check in my savings account. Supervisor Katrina Towles

CASHIER PIGGY WIGGLY

I started working at Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Batesville, MS at 16. I worked there for seven years - through high school and college. I was paid minimum wage which was $3.80/hour. With my first check I purchased a sweater and Levi Jeans. I learned work ethic, customer service skills and had to come to the realization that my parents would no longer buy my Levi Jeans.

- Supervisor Metrica Spears

MPD Families: Lieutenant Trina Johnson of Ridgeway Station poses with her daughter, MPD Dispatcher Brittany Richardson

We are in the same section, so when I get to work, most days I check with Ridgeway’s dispatcher-and I usually ask, “what is 904Charlie doing?” If she is in service, I always tell the dispatcher “Put her on something!”

Then I would laugh and say"904 is my mom"!

This is just a little thing I like to do---We talk about dispatch all the time, but she mainly just asks questions, about dispatch, and our P&P— (like how and why we do what we do!)

She respects us and wants to make our job as easy as possible. She says things like "I don't want to bother my dispatcher", and I often remind her, "We are here for you."

- Brittany

Proud Mom Can you say proud? I am ecstatic

The ones that worked when I first

about Brittany being a dispatcher! It

came on were rude and mean. I told

has been life altering for her like

Brittany when she started to “be nice”

joining MPD was life altering for me.

to your officers because they will

It’s funny though, because outside of

travel across the precinct to answer

my dispatcher friends-KO( Karen

calls versus sit down on those who

Ollie), LaTasha Blair and Anita

are rude. - 906/Lt. Johnson

Merriweather, I didn’t like dispatchers.

Mom, Thanks for Everything My mom encouraged me to apply for the dispatch position. I had already applied many times, and after several failed attempts, I got discouraged, but she encouraged me to keep trying. When I was finally offered the position, she said, “Thank you, God!” She was so happy! She knew this job would change my life, and it did! When I made probation, she was so excited for me, because there were times when I thought I would not make it.

It was not until I became a dispatcher that I began to understand the true nature of this job-- the good, bad, and the ugly! It really makes me appreciate my mother a lot more! I take officer safety very seriously, because now I see firsthand what officers have to face each day, and I think, “This could be my mom/This used to be my mom!” Dispatching has made me appreciate our officers so much for their service and sacrifice! I understand now, Mom! Thank you.

I look forward to a long, successful career as a dispatcher. Never thought, I would be working with my mom---same employer, same career field---but I honestly love my job! I love what we do. I appreciate her so much for what she has done for over 20+years!!

I also look forward to working Ridgeway Station, so I can dispatch her on calls. Every night on my way home, I call my mom and we talk about our day. This is what I look forward to the most. ~PRD Brittany Richardson

MAY 2021

MPD KIDS

MOTHER'S DAY FEATURE

Fighting in the Field: One childhood memory that comes to mind, is when my mom came home with a sprained wrist and a black eye. She had been fighting in the field! This is why officer safety is so important to me. Growing up, my mom worked Airways Delta shift. I still remember her car number was 764-Delta. This may be why my favorite radio is Airways station.

Q & A with 906/Lt. Johnson

What's your favorite part about working for MPD? Being able to provide service to those in need. Police Officers serve a multitude of roles with each hat changing on the next call. In one call, we are advocates for abused children and women and next we help settle disputes. We are marriage counselors, mentors, fill-in moms, dad, aunts, and uncles. I am retired Army and work currently as a Registered Nurse. I really like helping people no matter the need.

Is there anything you want dispatchers to know?

I appreciate all their hard work and patience! I know the job can be stressful at times trying to keep up with so many people at once.

What are some of the conversations you have about work?

We talk about different calls-funny ones, crazy/can’t believe and the depressing ones. We talk about whether our day was good or bad, plus we discuss what we could have done differently.

What are you most looking forward to in the future?

Job related: When I first came on the department, I talked about being on the 12th floor and would ask my friends what jobs they wanted once I became Director. I lost sight of that because of our prior promotion process. Now there is a possibility of that if I stay on a little longer. Ultimately, I want to enjoy my ten “Nannie Babies” (plus a few adopted ones) by having them all during the summer and traveling to show them the world.

TECH MANAGER DEWANDA MONTAGUE My mom is the most caring and loving person I know. She definitely works hard to make sure the needs of all under her care are met. My favorite quotes she uses often is "Nothing beats a failure but a try".

She's definitely demonstrated that on numerous occasions.

Love you Mom! ~ Dewanda

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.

LEISER WEBB & HER ANGELS

TAC ALT. PRD KATIE LIPSEY Hug as often as you can. Laugh as often as you can. Cherish every moment with your Mom. Momma, you are forever loved and greatly missed.

~Katherine

MAY 2021 | ISSUE TEN

an interview with

CTO TOYA DODSON HOW WE TRAIN " I am proud to be a member of the ECB training team.

It has helped me to better relate to people and keep an open mind. I've learned something from each trainee I've had." Toya " TDOT" Dodson

What is your favorite part of being a trainer?

My favorite part of being a trainer is being able to make an impression on a fresh mind. This person hasn't had the chance to form a negative opinion on dispatching or Communications yet.

What do you look for in a trainee?

I look for trainees to have an open mind, be willing to listen and pay attention. It is also important to be able to take correction and direction well.

PRD Toya Dodson

"Gamified" Exams

Homework Central "CTO Toya Dodson, better known as T DOT, has been with the Bureau for 22 years. She has been

a part of the training program on and off for approximately 17 of those years. After taking a needed break, CTO Dodson returned to the training program in full force. CTO Dodson was not afraid to ask questions about the updates to the program. And she adapted to any updates we've made regarding the grading scale and most importantly, was open to all constructive criticism and quickly made the proper adjustments. She recently trained and released one of our newest call takers, PRDT L. Rogers. Her positive attitude and overall effectiveness have made her a true asset to the training team." - Communications Training Senior Ashely Boswell

HOW WE TRAIN TOYA DODSON What motivated you to become a Communications Training Officer (CTO)?

This is my second time working as a member of the training team. Sometimes you have to take a break. This time, I've been back three years. I joined because I wanted to make a difference and help give new employees a positive outlook on dispatching and Communications as a whole.

How would you describe your training philosophy or style?

I take an "old school" approach. I am a proud function key dispatcher. I instruct trainees to put the pen down and type the information into the computer, whether it's on Wordpad or in the CAD. Then make your corrections. If you don't hear or understand an officer, ask them to repeat it. Don't handicap yourself using the playback because you never know when it won't work.

If you could make any changes to the training program, what would you change ?

I think we need more training as Communications Training Officers (CTOs).

At least once a year, I would like a refresher on the manuals; to ensure we are receiving the same information the trainees get in the classroom.

Several years ago I had a trainee that didn't come to work when we signed up for certain radios.

Originally, I thought they were ill, but the trainee had a lot of excuses. I had to instill confidence in the trainee and explain the radios are not going away, the officers are not going anywhere and you will have to learn the different areas of town.

You have to take it one transmission at a time, listen carefully, follow policy, do the best you can and always send somebody. Eventually , it worked and they grew to be a capable dispatcher. - T DOT

PLOTTING THE TAKEOVER

Lawana, Tomeca and Monetta meet up the week before NTW to finalize plans for Bravo shift.

Learning interrupted for a photo.

PRDT Cameron Johnson & CTO Kandace Booker

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM DAY

They could be up to something.

We will never know.

Alpha Shift PRDs Karen Ollie & Tondra Hailey

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM DAY

Go Titans!

PRD LaQuange Watkins

"Wipe me Down" PRD Tracy Williams makes sure her area is wiped down.

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM DAY

Smiling PRDTs. We love to see it!

Latanya Goliday & Brandi Pickett

Kenneth Owens in his full gear.

Thanks Shelby County 911 District for our masks and hats!

I appreciate all the hard work Charlie Shift leaders LaQuange Watkins, Linda Hollingsworth, and LaTamara Jones put into our NTW activities. The "Guess the Baby" game was so much fun.

Those of us that just had to pay our money to participate had the easy part. The coordinators that had to stretch our money had the harder job. They planned, attended meetings, shopped for decorations and food, set up and cleaned up! I will always be grateful for and support our co-workers that go above and beyond and work after hours putting together detailed festivities so people like me can just "show up and eat" and "play games". ~Erica May

CAMO DAY

TERT Team and OPCD leadership had the opportunity to meet with senior VITEMA leadership at the Governor’s Residence.

#SHOWUP From the N.O. to the V.I. Written by ERICA MAY

"Of the 23 TERT members from our center, twelve are from our leadership team. Seven are dispatchers and four are call-talkers'', states Domonique Curry, the OPCD Chief of Staff.

Employees who are interested in joining the TERT team must take the FEMA ICS* classes, satisfy the medical and immunization requirements and submit an application/ letter of interest for consideration.

March 2021: Four Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) employees embarked on a TERT

In early March, the St. Croix ECC* had six

deployment to the Virgin Islands. The New Orleans

telecommunicators test positive for COVID-19. In an

PSAP is a member of the Louisiana TERT team.

effort to protect employees, agency leaders made

Tyrell Morris is the Executive Director of OPCD and

the decision to close the center and route their calls

he serves as the Louisiana State TERT Coordinator.

to the neighboring PSAPs in St. John, St. Thomas

The Louisiana TERT team has 50 members from Emergency Communication Centers around the state.

Twenty-three of the fifty members are OPCD employees.

and Water Island.

On March 6, after the center was shut down, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency ( VITEMA) submitted an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request to which OPCD responded. *Incident Command System *Emergency Communications Center

What is TERT? TELECOMMUNICATOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TASK FORCE (TERT) A group of trained telecommunications operations and support personnel able to respond to and work with another agency to receive, process, dispatch and monitor calls for assistance.

HISTORY OF TERT In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina

FEMA FREE ONLINE COURSE

and Rita, several agencies – including

IS-144: Telecommunicators

national organizations APCO and NENA

Emergency Response Taskforce

– desired to send telecommunicators to

(TERT) Basic Course

the stricken area on mutual aid assignments. Unfortunately, there was no national system in place at the time to provide operational support to communications centers and their personnel in the event of a man-made

EMERGENCY MANAGMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT(EMAC)

or natural disaster. The

TERT deployments are facilitated

Telecommunicator Emergency

through EMACs. Through EMAC

Response Taskforce (TERT) was

states can share resources from all

developed to address this need.

disciplines, protect personnel who deploy, and be reimbursed for

TERT deployments can be a form of tactical dispatch.

mission related costs. You can learn more about EMAC and access free online trainings at emacweb.org

Louisiana TERT Deployment March 2021

Tyrell Morris, MBA, CPE

Domonique Curry, CPE

Nadia Fearon, CPM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHIEF OF STAFF

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

ORLEANS PARISH COMMUNICATION

ORLEANS PARISH

CENTER DISTRICT MANAGER

DISTRICT

COMMUNICATION DISTRICT

VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Michelle Vigne-Cuba is one of the OPCD call takers who took the trip. Even though Michelle has only been

Once the employees who would participate in the

with OPCD for eighteen months, she was eager to join

deployment were identified, they were ready to go

the team, motivated by her memories of Hurricane

as early as Monday March 8th. However due to

Katrina.

COVID testing, protocols and a few logistics that needed to be finalized, they were not cleared for

"I’ve faced disaster with Katrina, and I remember how people from all over banded together and traveled to Louisiana to assist us and how essential that was to our rebuild. I can only pay it forward by assisting someone else in their emergency situation."

Not only is a TERT deployment an opportunity to serve, Domonique Curry believes it is a powerful learning and development opportunity for 911 professionals. OPCD leaders quickly assembled a team of four as they are intentional about helping their employees connect to the greater 911 community.

departure until Wednesday evening. For a TERT assignment, the deploying agency incurs the upfront costs and then are reimbursed by the agency requesting and receiving assistance.

OPCD team members arrived in St. Croix, Thursday March 11th, and stayed fourteen days.

Nadia Fearon, St. Croix Emergency District Manager, was grateful for the assistance OPCD provided.

OPCD employees were able to learn their system

They wanted to send more, but could not without

and handle all the call taking, CAD entries and give

negatively impacting the staffing at their center.

pre-arrival instructions to callers when necessary.

“They helped us explore the RapidSOS program and

This was the second deployment for OPCD supervisor,

incorporate it in our center. We also discussed their

Brandi Landry. "As a supervisor I know the stress that

CAD system and how the center in Louisiana

comes with manpower issues, especially as it relates

operates. We learned about TERT and are

to COVID-19, so to be able to assist a fellow agency

considering possibly starting our own TERT team in

during this time...I didn't give it a second thought."

the US Virgin Islands.”

Louisiana TERT Deployment March 2021

OPCD TERT members: L-R Darius Brown, Amanda Darensbourg, Brandi Landry, Michelle Vigne-Cuba)

STRAIGHT BUSINESS TRIP: TERT deployments may require members to work all 14 days straight, for a maximum of 16 hours each day. During this deployment, the OPCD team only had one day off. That day the team enjoyed a snorkeling trip to Buck Island National Park.

The four TERT team members were surprised by their agency leaders Tyrell Morris and Domonique Curry during the end of the trip. Morris and Curry “popped in” on them to see how the group was doing and share some of the experience with them.

Mutual respect was expressed by both sides. Nadia Fearon describes the experience as “pleasant and enlightening." She was inspired by how OPCD workers were able to quickly adapt to working with limited resources. Michelle Vigne- Cuba said it was an experience she will never forget. “ My favorite part of the trip was working with the VI emergency center staff, visiting the government building and feeling the genuine appreciation and teamwork.”

TERT EXPERIENCE TAKEAWAYS Michelle Vigne-Cuba OPCD Emergency Communications Specialist

“Their center was different because the operators take calls and then dispatch that same call. Our center has call takers who receive the call and dispatchers who dispatch. Also they don’t use numerical addresses much on the island which can be difficult if you are not a native. In some instances natives provide turn by turn directions using landmarks in place of a physical address. However the team persevered and with the assistance of the VI call takers who are native to the area and also with the use of RapidSOS technology, we were able to get people the help they needed.”

OPCD ECS I Michelle Vigne-Cuba on duty at the St. Croix ECC

Brandi Landry, OPCD Supervisor "Their center was much different from ours; the most obvious difference was the size. They have a total staff of 18, which is drastically different from our staff of 160-180 employees. My favorite part was honestly the destination itself. It was a beautiful place with beautiful people who made us feel at home."

Domonique Curry, OPCD Chief of Staff " It was eye-opening to see a Communications Center function with no GIS technology. To see how much they are able to do without many of the tools we rely on is amazing. Additionally, it was a good experience for our center employees to take back to their peers. They have voiced how they no longer take for granted the technology and resources we have at our disposal."

Tyrell and Domonique surprise the team and receive a tour of the St. Croix ECC from VITEMA Deputy Director of Operations Bruce Kelly (purple shirt)

Remember: Gratitude is an exercise.

Is there someone we work with you would like to publicly thank? Please share it with us. We'd love to print it.

AMBER STARKS When I was released as call taker, I dreaded the next phase of training- the radio.

Working the radio was so intimidating because I had so many lives in my hands.

So many people depended on me and I kept thinking I may fail them ---something I didn’t want to do. When I was assigned to CTO Amber Starks, I was able to find some relief.

Amber was patient, considerate, thoughtful, and reassuring. She never got tired of me asking questions or making mistakes. Amber would ask me what I needed help on every day, and then she would quiz me on specifically that. That was so helpful because she took the time to make up a quiz based on what I needed.

I am appreciative of Amber because I truly felt she had my back. Even on her off days, she checked on me and made sure I was with the best substitute trainer.

She made the transition to a full dispatcher less nerve wrecking and she never shamed me for needing help.

I learned so much from her and I am now able to take what I learned and help others. Amber made dispatch training and the release exam so much less stressful and I am truly thankful for her.

~PRDT Janee Lewis

What an Awesome Week!

by PRD Damika McGowan After the pandemic, loss of loved ones, a snow storm, working long hours and enduring the spike in crime this year, I was worn out and mentally exhausted. It was truly all work and no play. NTW rolled around and rejuvenated me. I had fun, laughed and played games. I enjoyed the painting contest, costumes and the prizes. I didn't know I could have so much fun at work.

The high level of creativity our shift leaders displayed was impressive. Lawana Stamps, Monetta Hampton and Tomeca Doty delivered on the food, games and decorations every day. The themes were outstanding. These ladies worked hard putting this together, while still working overtime and never complained.

I truly appreciate the outpouring of appreciation we received from the precincts, community and management.

Thank you to all who made it happen.

Goodie Basket complements of Crump Station.

My First Telecommunicators Week

by PRDT Sam Stamper

Every job I have ever had (and there have been more than a few) has said something along the lines of "We are not just coworkers, we are family." I always thought it was just lip-service until I experienced NTW at the ECB. As a recent transplant to Alpha Shift, I was not sure what to expect. A lot of the folks that work those graveyard hours have been doing so for many years and know each other very well. How would they treat the new guy who showed up just in time to try and win some prizes?

Turns out, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Cassandra Berry and Melanie Jefferson spearheaded a spectacular week of festivities that included everyone from supervisors to brand new PRDTs. Even when I won the best prize, everyone on the floor was interested, engaged, and supportive of one another.

I have never been more excited to come to work than I was during that time.

Unfortunately, my three year -old generously donated a bug from daycare so I missed a couple days of festivities, but I cannot wait for many years of celebration to come.

2020 MPD POLICE COMMENDATION AWARDS April 2, 2021 Bellevue Baptist Church

ECA Spencer & Mgr. Sean Lovejoy, Administrative Excellence Awardee

Police Commendation Awards: 2020 Dispatcher of the Year PRD Erica May and her family.

Four Keys to Building Wealth Whether you’re 25 or 52, some things are true no matter how old or young you are. Sure, we face different challenges and priorities at different stages of life, but some truths are foundational and constant at any age.These four keys to building wealth are like that, and they’ll help you unlock and unleash your wealth-building potential. Ready? Let’s do this!

01

Let’s get one thing straight: The only “good debt” is paid-off debt. The more money you send to banks in loan payments, the less money you have to save and invest for your future. Be confident about your retirement. Find an investing pro in your area today. Get debt out of your life first.

02

Whether it’s a job loss, a car wreck or a broken leg sliding into second base at a company softball tournament, life is going to throw you a curveball someday. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But believe me, it’s going to happen! That’s why you need to have three to six months’ worth of expenses set aside in a savings account before you start investing. And don’t touch it unless it’s a real emergency (Christmas shopping is not an emergency, people!).

03

Now it’s time to go on offense! Being debt-free and having money in the bank to cover emergencies gives you the foundation you need to start saving for retirement. When our team completed the National Study of Millionaires, we found that 3 out of 4 millionaires (75%) said that regular, consistent investing over a long period of time is the reason for their success. Building wealth doesn’t happen overnight!

04

Speaking of millionaires, we also found that the average millionaire paid off their home in 10.2 years, and two-thirds of them (67%) live in homes with paid-off mortgages. That’s not an accident! Imagine what you could do if you didn’t have to worry about a mortgage payment every month . . . I’m getting chills just thinking about it! With a paid-for house, you could really build some momentum and accomplish your financial goals even faster. Who knows? You might even be able to retire earlier than you planned!

DAVERAMSEY.COM

How to Build Wealth in Your Twenties

by Chris Hogan via the Dave Ramsey blog You’re in your twenties. What does retirement have to do with you? A lot, actually. Because you have the most to gain when it comes to retirement. There should be no stopping you when it comes to building wealth because you have the one thing other generations don’t: a lot of time. Here’s a scenario: Let’s say you begin investing $200 a month at age 24. But your friends, who bought new cars and took dream vacations on credit cards, delay saving for retirement until age 34 while they pay off their debt. At age 64, you’d have around $1.7 million in retirement savings. However, your friends would only have $560,900. That 10year head start makes you a million dollars richer !If you’re in your 20s, you’ve got a great opportunity to create a solid foundation for your future. Don’t waste it! Want to build wealth beginning in your 20s? Here’s how: Steer clear of debt. If you have debt, use the debt snowball to knock it out of your life as fast as you can—student loans included. If Sallie Mae is living in your spare bedroom, kick her out ASAP. Live below your means. Just say no to things you can’t buy with cash!

Overspending every month can dramatically impact your ability to save for retirement.

Raise your standard of living slowly. This is not the time to grow leaps and bounds in houses or cars. Paid-for clunkers and small apartment rentals will do just fine while you secure your financial footing.

Budget like your future depends on it—because it does. A monthly written budget assigns every dollar a specific purpose. Budget categories include things like food, clothing, housing, bills and savings. Plus, a budget ensures you’ll have the money for the things that are important to you, like fun money and retirement savings.

Start early. As you can see in the example above, it doesn’t take a lot of money to build a million-dollar retirement—as long as you start early! Your goal is to invest 15% of your income for retirement. And the earlier you start, the better! That’s a wealth-building habit that will pay off not just in dollars, but in opportunities for you down the road.

LIFE AFTER DISPATCH

CATCHING UP WITH CLIFF PROFILE

CONNECTION

FLICKER FIELD TRIP

CLIFTON CATTRON

The 164th Air Wing Memphis

From 2007 to 2019, Clifton " Cliff" Cattron

National Guard base is in the

worked in Memphis Police Communications

process of upgrading its Base

as a dispatcher. He joined the Guard Unit of

Defense Operation Center (BDOC).

the Air Force in 2013. Since leaving

The base's BDOC is similar to a 911

Communications, he has transferred from

center. "Chief Harvey knew that I

reserve to active duty. He is now a Staff Sergeant and a member of the Security Forces

came from a large scale, active

-------which is the military base police unit.

communications center and wanted to see if we could tour the Memphis center."

FAMILY TIME Cliff left Communications because he wanted to

The day of the tour he brought

spend more time with his family. He now works

along his unit leaders, (Defense

hours that are "family friendly." When he reflects on

Commander) Commander Captain Capps , Chief Harvey, Master

his time as a dispatcher, he mostly misses the

Sergeant Hogue and Master

people. During his return, he was well received. " I

Sergeant Wiliams. The experience

was pretty excited. It felt good that everybody was

went over well with the group. "

happy to see me."

They loved it. They said they wish we would have done it sooner."

BDOC: A command and control facility established by the base commander to serve as the focal point for base security and defense. It plans, directs, integrates, coordinates, and controls all base defense efforts and coordinates and integrates into area security operations with the rear area operations center/rear tactical operations center.

MAY 2021

ECA Spencer & SPRD Towles with the 164th Air Wing National Guard

Clifton and his National Guard Unit Leaders masked up for the tour.

2020 MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT'S TOP COP

For the past few years, my shift partners and ward partners complained that I had not won any awards.

They said they thought I was deserving. I just see myself as a person who loves his hometown. Awards and accolades are awesome, but they don't define who I am.

So when I was nominated for Crump Station's Officer of

JHUKURUIN

COLE

the Year, I was surprised and even more thankful to have won it.

It was an even bigger honor for my peers, supervisors, and department administration to have voted me as the Memphis Police Department’s 2020 Top Cop! My phone "went wild" with calls and texts from my coworkers as the news spread. Their words of affirmation is why I am able to come to work every day with my head held high. I try to be a leader and a

Jhukuruin Cole has been with MPD since 2015. He is currently assigned to 421's ward in Crump Station.

reliable source of information for my junior partners. It was an honor to hear my peers say, “You earned that award. It wasn’t given to you!” A suggestion I have for the department is to add a location on the award for signatures because I would not have received this award without my amazing partners! My ward partners

BEST IN BLUE SPOTLIGHT

K. Motley (13685) and P. Thomas (13724), along with the entire Crump Charlie shift deserve an award too!

" My son is my biggest inspiration for the city that I wish to see, and the reason I want to protect it."

" I enjoy the calls where we go into a home, build a teen up, and see a change in their attitude and behavior."

- Officer J. Cole

As police officers we are able to positively impact the youth. That is what I enjoy most about this job.

With a rough past as an inner city kid from Memphis, law enforcement as a profession was frowned upon within my community.

I've always believed I was different and have never been afraid to go again the grain or to challenge common ideology.

After having amazing mentors come into my life (Morris Robinson, Ryan Burton, Derek Carson), I knew that I wanted to impact the youth as well and I saw law enforcement as the opportunity to do so.

Throughout my law enforcement career, I have been blessed to have amazing field training officers (FTOs) (Christopher Gibson (primary), Sgt. Easterwood, and Chris Sansone).

I have also been fortunate to have amazing Lieutenants (D. Ross, D. Moses, J. Ray, C. Minga, J. Neloms).

But the mentors on this job who have taught me the most are T. Wilson (11584) and Matthew Harris. Their style of policing stuck with me and I took what I learned from them and now teach it to other officers. Those officers inspired me to step up and become a FTO on this job. I try my best to teach every trainee I have everything I know about the job and life.

2020 TOP COP: JHUKURUIN COLE

" When I received the TOP COP award, the first people I thought about were my grandparents. They never gave up on me and always believed in me. I 'm thankful for their prayers over my life."

Officer J. Cole ECB MONTHLY/ MAY 2021 | 45

PLANTING SEEDS OF PEACE "As long as God is kept first, and the department continues to work at building community relations and restoring peace, we will grow together."

Mathews 5:9 -God bless the peace makers...

MAY 2021

Union Updates with Mendi Shull

As most of you know, the 2021 CWA Negotiations Team recently concluded a lengthy negotiation process with the city over modifications and additions to our MOU. I am pleased to announce that we have signed off on all tentative agreements and are thrilled to present our membership with a variety of new and enhanced benefits beginning July 1.

I will be providing you with the specific details of the changes very soon, but among the negotiated benefits are an increase in pay, compensation for higher learning, and a substantial increase in the uniform allotment.

In all, we feel that great strides were made in the right direction, and there is every confidence that the forward progress will continue in the years to come.

This final process for me has truly been bittersweet, but I am thankful for what we were able to accomplish. On behalf of the CWA, thank you for your continued support.

Mendi

Mendi Shull, Union Leader

MAY 2021 | ISSUE TEN

PEER COUNSELOR RETREAT HEALTH AND WELLNESS

"Debriefing the Debriefer"

BY PRD JULIA ROBINSON, RPL

As peer counselors, we are a resource for our coworkers who may be experiencing (workrelated or non-work-related) stress. In the

Did you know that the Memphis Police Department has a Critical Incident Services (CIS) team?

Yes, you did. But we're more commonly referred to as peer counselors.

Lieutenant Colonel Lenora Armstead is the CIS coordinator. She arranged for some of us to attend a three-day training retreat in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee.

Cumberland Furnace is an hour away from Nashville. On April 7, Officer Joy Knowlton and I jumped in the Communications Chevrolet Tahoe and drove east.

The facility was surrounded by trees and not visible from the streets. When we finally saw the estate, it was beautiful. One section of the land had cabins. That's where we stayed. The main house was a mansion. Then there was a fenced in area that housed horses.

course, we were given tools and techniques to assist our co-workers in communicating their feelings. We went over healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress that results from experiencing critical incidents.

We even had the chance to speak about topics that had been weighing us down. We were reminded that we are just ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, helping other people's situations.

If you ever need to speak to someone, your peer counselors are here for you. We are bound by confidentially and any breech results in immediate dismissal from the program.

There are many resources available to us as City of Memphis and police department employees but it's up to us to take advantage of them. We must prioritize our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. We have to take care of ourselves so we can continue to take care of MEMPHIS!

MAY 2021: HEALTH AND WELLNESS

My roommmate was a dispatcher from Knoxville, TN, Jenna Thomas. I also connected and bonded with Mandy McKnatt from Bartlett Police Dept.

Our training workbook. The class was sponsored by the Public Safety Network.

COMMUNICATIONS PEER COUNSELORS

RESOURCE: DOWNLOAD THE MPD WELLNESS APP created for Memphis Police Dept. employees

SPRD KATRINA TOWLES PRD STACY GOODS PRD JAMES COUGHLIN PRD LINDA HOLLINGSWORTH PRD CASSANDRA BERRY PRD TOYA DODSON PRD PATRICIA WRIGHT PRD JULIA ROBINSON

9-1-1 SCRAPPERS Milton Williamson c/o 1980 Stacy Goods c/o 1984 Dewanda Montague c/o 1988 Shonna Plant c/o 1996 Gloria Steward c/o 1997 Doris Carter c/o 2003 Erica May c/o 2004

South Side High School Motto: "Strive, Struggle, Succeed" Mascot: Scrapper Bulldog Address: 1880 Prospect Precinct: Airways Station Ward: 722

From the Editor BE AN AMBASSADOR National Telecommunicators Week (NTW) was fun. It was nice to celebrate since we were not able to last year. Social media was filled with 9-11 tributes. Everyone proudly wore 9-1-1 t shirts.

NTW may be when the Governor recognizes our contributions, and we celebrate our profession as a whole, but we don’t have to relegate our pride to one week in April.

Erica May, ENP

2020 Dispatcher of the Year

DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR

2010: Gloria Steward 2011: Angela Carrol 2012: Kendra Curry 2013: Karen Dickey 2014: Jessica Coleman 2015: Lawana Stamps 2016: Linda Hollingsworth 2017: LaTamara Jones 2018: Markisha Thomas 2019: Linda Hollingsworth

We should take pride in what we do, where we work, who we work with and who we serve everyday. We should be cognizant that we are MPD/9-1-1 Ambassadors all the time.

For people (especially those senior in experience) to believe in me and encourage me, it’s kind of overwhelming; but in a good way. I feel responsible and accountable to be the best team member I can be. In other words, I’m on a mission to prove them right! I would hate for people to put their trust in me, give me a chance and I don’t meet expectations.

Being named Dispatcher of the Year (DOY) for 2020 was indeed an honor. It was an even bigger honor because I realized I am the first DOY for this decade. Please don't hesitate to hold me accountable. I promise to strive to always be an Ambassador and represent our department well.

I’ll do this in honor of all those who believed in me and for all the previous DOYs - who put in the work and on whose shoulders I stand.

Erica May