HCFA Awards & Recognitions
Dispatcher of the Year
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Each year, Heartland Communications proudly honors one exceptional telecommunicator with the prestigious Dispatcher of the Year Award. This award is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and outstanding service demonstrated by our dispatchers. Nominated by their peers within the dispatch center, the recipient is recognized for their exceptional contributions, leadership, and commitment to public safety. The award is announced during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), a time dedicated to celebrating the vital role of emergency dispatchers. Since its inception in 2022, the Dispatcher of the Year Award has stood as a symbol of excellence and appreciation for those who go above and beyond in their service to the community.
Past Winners
2022 Shelby Ortmeier
2023 Ashley Pabon
2024 Nicole Gibson
Top EMD Peformer of the Year
Each year, Heartland Communications proudly recognizes one outstanding telecommunicator with the prestigious Top EMD Performer of the Year Award. This honor is awarded to the dispatcher who demonstrates exceptional skill, accuracy, and dedication in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). The recipient is selected based on performance scores calculated throughout the year, reflecting their commitment to providing lifesaving assistance to those in need. The award is announced during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), a time to celebrate the vital contributions of emergency dispatchers. This recognition stands as a testament to the excellence and professionalism of those who serve on the front lines of emergency response.
2023 – La Mesa Chamber of Commerce Salute to Hero – Kim Gonzales
2024 – GIS Technologist of the Year – APCO Southern Region – Justin Nettleton
2024 – La Mesa Chamber of Commerce Salute to Hero – Shannon Hays
Center
Past Winners
2022 Shannon Hays
2023 Shelby Ortmeier
2024 Hannah Caldwell
Individual & Center Special Recognitions
Over the years, HCFA Staff and the Emergency Operations Center have been honored with prestigious awards and recognitions from various agencies and organizations. These accolades reflect their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in emergency response. Below is a list of awards received since 2022.
Individual
2022 – Outstanding Performance by a Team - APCO Southern Region – Santee Plane Crash
2024 – Special Recognition to Heartland Communications – APCO Southern Region- San Diego Floods
Dispatcher Assisted CPR Save
Our dedicated dispatchers have also been recognized internally for their life-saving efforts in CPR-assisted saves. These commendations highlight their quick thinking, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to guiding callers through critical moments. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and provide clear, effective instructions has directly contributed to lives being saved in our community.
More To Come!
Dispatcher Assisted Baby Delivery
Our dedicated dispatchers have also been recognized internally for their vital role in assisting with emergency childbirth. These commendations highlight their quick thinking, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to guiding callers through one of life’s most critical moments. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and provide clear, reassuring instructions has directly contributed to the safe delivery of newborns in our community.
More to Come!