Broward County is set to honor its 911 heroes this month with special awards that recognize the dedication and skill of telecommunicators who keep their cool in the face of an emergency. The accolades are part of the 911 National Education Month activities, spotlighting those who play a critical role in public safety but often work behind the scenes.
Two standout operators will grab the spotlight this year for their exceptional service. The Tom Gallagher Awards, a tribute to the late career dispatcher who served for over 28 years, will go to Sharon Owens of Coral Springs and Sheri White of the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO). The ceremony is planned for April 16 at Governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County announced.
Owens, known for her poise under pressure, has walked callers through life-saving CPR and, as a Tactical Fire Dispatcher, managed a significant fire in recent months. Her vitality and readiness to lend a hand to her colleagues is the stuff that makes her Coral Springs’ reliable force.
Meanwhile, White's 30-year tenure with the BSO has seen her excel in the position of Communications Site Manager, where she revamped the training program for new hires during the pandemic. Her efforts slashed the division's turnover rate to below 5%, a testament to her leadership and team spirit, according to Broward County's statement.
