County 911 dispatcher earns Distinguished Service Award

Sheriff presents plaque to dispatcher who took firearm threat call

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

When there’s trouble, we’re taught to call 911. There’s no doubt the emergency hotline saves lives, but oftentimes, unfortunately, the dispatcher handling the call is powerless to prevent violence from occurring.

Thankfully, such was not the case recently then Crittenden County 911 received a call and Jennifer Hawkins was on the receiving end.

“It was an honor and privilege to recognize Jennifer Hawkins with the Distinguished Service Award for her actions as a 911 Dispatcher,” Sheriff Mike Allen said at a special ceremony last week.

On Saturday, March 1, Hawkins took a 911 call in regards to an intoxicated male threatening his mother with a firearm.

“While taking the call the suspect got on the phone with Jennifer Hawkins and she was able to deescalate the situation and instructed the suspect to put the firearm in a back room of the house and exit the house for deputies,” explained Allen. “Everything went well and Sheriff’s deputies were able to take him into custody without incident.”

Allen issued the award, saying: “Wherein the safety of our officers depends upon the quality and accuracy of information by dispatchers, and wherein Jennifer Hawkins should be recognized for her actions that possibly saved a life. Thank you Jennifer Hawkins and all the 911 Dispatchers that keep our first responders safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”

Photo courtesy of CCSO