Home Local News Richmond County Emergency Services Employees Honored with Two Awards

Richmond County Emergency Services Employees Honored with Two Awards

Mary Gainey, Calvin Smith and Christine Collins receive an award in October for their outstanding work.
Contributed photo.

ROCKINGHAM – October was an award-winning month for Richmond County Emergency Services. At the annual North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference held in Cherokee, N.C., from October 1 through 4, several Richmond County government employees were honored.

Christine Collins, Mary Gainey and Calvin Smith were honored with two state level awards from the North Carolina Chapter of National Emergency Number Association (N.C. NENA) and the North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (NC APCO) for their efforts during the fatal bus accident that occurred in Richmond County on Sep. 17, 2016.

This team of telecommunicators was awarded the 2017 Communications Team of the Year and the 2017 Shift of the Year award for their role in the response to this event.

“It was very exciting to see our own Richmond County government employees honored by their peers for the excellent work they provide our citizens,” said Donna Wright, director of emergency services.

Also at the North Carolina 9-1-1 board meeting in Raleigh on October 20, the same employees were honored by the board for the same event. Collins, Gainey and Smith were honored for the outstanding teamwork, professionalism and commitment to public safety they demonstrated that day, and every day, for the citizens of Richmond County.

But the awards didn’t stop there. Wright was honored by President Lisa Reid with the N.C. NENA President’s Award.

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“The President’s Award is awarded by the NENA Chapter president at his or her discretion,” Reid stated. “It is traditionally given to an individual in recognition of exceptional dedication and commitment through outstanding service to the NENA Association.

“I chose Donna Wright as a co-recipient of this award for her outstanding work, leadership and dedication to the 911 Goes to Washington legislative initiative. Donna has been, and continues to be, instrumental in coordinating the efforts in Washington to make sure that 911 issues are being addressed on our behalf.”

Donna Wright with her President’s Award.

Wright expressed her thoughts on receiving the President’s Award, noting that it’s a team effort.

“Richmond County Emergency Services is dedicated to serving the citizens and first responders of our county with the best possible service,” Wright said. “We all were honored to be recognized by our peers.”



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