Fort Bend Sun - News
Missouri City telecommunications officer receives "Silent Hero Award"
By DIANE TEZENO
Jeanel Dinges, one of a number of telecommunications officers, in cities across the country, who serve as a critical back up to local police forces, has been awarded the 2008 Silent Hero Award.
Dinges received the award in June and was presented with a proclamation from Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen at the Sept. 2 regular council meeting.
“I am just honored,” said Dinges of her recognition. “We don’t look for the glory or all of that, we just love doing our jobs.”
During the awards ceremony in Austin, Dinges shared being moved on hearing some of the calls that fellow telecommunications officers receive.
"Some of them are heartbreaking,” said Dinges. “When we take the calls, we put aside our feelings at the time because we know we have to take care of the situation at hand.”
Each year, the Commission on State Emergency Communications recognizes exemplary telecommunications officers with its annual Silent Hero Award for exceptional professionalism in the field of emergency communications.
Nominees must have a minimum of two years of experience as telecommunication officers, be team players, exhibit a professional work ethic, have respectful relationships with co-workers and go above and beyond the call of duty.
“We are very proud each year to have a recipient and this year it is Jeanel,” said Missouri City Police Chief Ron Echols of the recognition.
Larry Capps, a captain in the support services division of the MCPD, commended Dinges for her award and described her as a top notch professional who is passionate about law enforcement.
“Telecommunicators perform a unique and pivotal role in police departments,” said Capps in prepared remarks.
“They very often serve as the first point of contact for our citizens who need assistance.”
The police captain described Dinges’ role and the role of other telecommunicators as a “lifeline” for officers in the field.
“They are behind the scenes, but always in the forefront of properly handling the call for service - thus the Silent Hero Award,” Capp said.
Dinges, a 10-year-employee of the Missouri City Police Department, works as a telecommunications and training officer on the night shift.
Before joining the city, Dinges worked as a telecommunications officer in the Stafford Police Department.
She graduated among the top five in her class in the Wharton County Junior College Police Academy in 2006, earning her advanced TCLEOSE Telecommunications Officer certificate.
Dinges, an active member of The Texas Women in Law Enforcement Association, is also working toward an associates degree in applied science and law enforcement.
Capps also described Dinges as very compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated.
“She can be a calming influence to a hysterical caller, a compassion that is genuine,” said Capps.
The Missouri City police captain rounded off his remarks with a final comment on Dinges and the role she and other telecommunications officers play in serving the public and helping to ensure the safety of police officers and fire fighters.
“They are the patrol officers unseen partner, and often times the most valuable partner,” said Capps.
Dinges received the award in June and was presented with a proclamation from Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen at the Sept. 2 regular council meeting.
“I am just honored,” said Dinges of her recognition. “We don’t look for the glory or all of that, we just love doing our jobs.”
During the awards ceremony in Austin, Dinges shared being moved on hearing some of the calls that fellow telecommunications officers receive.
"Some of them are heartbreaking,” said Dinges. “When we take the calls, we put aside our feelings at the time because we know we have to take care of the situation at hand.”
Each year, the Commission on State Emergency Communications recognizes exemplary telecommunications officers with its annual Silent Hero Award for exceptional professionalism in the field of emergency communications.
Nominees must have a minimum of two years of experience as telecommunication officers, be team players, exhibit a professional work ethic, have respectful relationships with co-workers and go above and beyond the call of duty.
“We are very proud each year to have a recipient and this year it is Jeanel,” said Missouri City Police Chief Ron Echols of the recognition.
Larry Capps, a captain in the support services division of the MCPD, commended Dinges for her award and described her as a top notch professional who is passionate about law enforcement.
“Telecommunicators perform a unique and pivotal role in police departments,” said Capps in prepared remarks.
“They very often serve as the first point of contact for our citizens who need assistance.”
The police captain described Dinges’ role and the role of other telecommunicators as a “lifeline” for officers in the field.
“They are behind the scenes, but always in the forefront of properly handling the call for service - thus the Silent Hero Award,” Capp said.
Dinges, a 10-year-employee of the Missouri City Police Department, works as a telecommunications and training officer on the night shift.
Before joining the city, Dinges worked as a telecommunications officer in the Stafford Police Department.
She graduated among the top five in her class in the Wharton County Junior College Police Academy in 2006, earning her advanced TCLEOSE Telecommunications Officer certificate.
Dinges, an active member of The Texas Women in Law Enforcement Association, is also working toward an associates degree in applied science and law enforcement.
Capps also described Dinges as very compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated.
“She can be a calming influence to a hysterical caller, a compassion that is genuine,” said Capps.
The Missouri City police captain rounded off his remarks with a final comment on Dinges and the role she and other telecommunications officers play in serving the public and helping to ensure the safety of police officers and fire fighters.
“They are the patrol officers unseen partner, and often times the most valuable partner,” said Capps.
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