VALERIE HALCOMB

2014 Outstanding Innovation Award

 

 

The Portage Department of Public Safety issues this award for an outstanding innovative accomplishment which results in improved public service, operations or administration, or a substantial savings to the City.  This award will be considered for efficiency and effectiveness that goes beyond the normal assignment expectations.

 

RECOGNITION:

During 2013, Dispatcher Halcomb created a replica of the dispatch radio complete with fire tones to utilize for training of new employees.  The first 2 weeks of training a new dispatcher, time is spent out of the radio room utilizing the test side of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) before going “live” in the dispatch center.  By creating the replica, trainees are able to simulate toning out fire calls beyond a “simple” mock scenario.  The new employee is able to experience what it is like to work in dispatch handling emergencies.

 

Because of Dispatcher Halcomb’s creativity and love for education, this training tool has proven to be a great asset to the Communication Center training program.

 

The board recommends the Innovation Award, be awarded to Dispatcher Valerie Halcomb.