This year at the annual conference, the Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) recognized the Wayne County E911 Center by presenting 911 Director Jimmy Turnbow and Sheriff Shane Fisher with the TENA “Dispatch Event of the Year” award which recognizes the hard work, professionalism and dedication a 911 center displays during a critical incident.
The TENA awards committee reviewed all incidents that were submitted to them, and after review, chose Wayne County to receive the award to recognize the lifesaving efforts displayed on a call that involved a young Wayne County boy in February of 2021.
While this was quite an honor for the 911 Center, the awards committee didn’t stop there. Out of the thousands of 911 telecommunicators and professionals across the state of Tennessee, they chose to present one of their highest awards to Wayne County 911 Operator Conley (Bobby) Simmons by presenting him with the TENA “Telecommunicator of the Year” award. The award was presented to Simmons in recognition of his actions during the event for which the 911 Center was recognized.
Operator Simmons stayed on the phone for over 37 minutes giving lifesaving instructions and encouragement to the family until help arrived, showing professionalism and dedication that went above and beyond.
While Director Turnbow and Sheriff Fisher accepted the award on behalf of the 911 Center, they stated that the award would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of every Operator and staff member of the 911 Center.
