911 dispatcher Patrick Harris was named Dispatcher of the Year by Tompkins County for his leadership during the 2024 Lansing wildfire, a high-pressure emergency that tested the entire communications team, according to county leaders.
Harris and his colleagues were also honored alongside other dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunication Week.
Awards recognized efforts during power outages, extreme weather, and increasing call volume — driven by more frequent storms. Mental health programs, including peer support and a soon-to-launch service dog initiative, are being expanded to support staff coping with trauma.
The department’s new call center now includes modernized tech and potential video call features, though officials remain cautious about the added emotional toll live visuals may bring.
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