The 2013 Telecommunicator of the Year Awards were presented Friday morning at a special breakfast in the ballroom at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. An honoree was named from each of the emergency services organizations here in Rutherford County.

Past Chairman Truman Jones

Former Rutherford County Sheriff Truman Jones reflected back to the days before the 911 Emergency Communications System was put in place. He said, "The two-way radios had numerous dead spots. There were no portable radios. It's a wonder many of us are still here today."

He then noted that former 911 Director Steve Lane was a visionary, who set the level of technology now enjoyed by both emergency responders and the public.

Jones praised the telecommunicators as "the life link between the public and emergency responders."

(above photo) Former Sheriff and Past 911 Chairman Truman Jones receives an award from 911 Chairman and Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman (right).

Truman Jones continues to put the spotlight on the positives in Rutherford County through his daily talk radio show, Monday through Friday mornings at 9:00 o'clock on WGNS.

Honorees

The 2013 recipients of the Telecommunicator Awards are Jennifer Dray of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department, Tiffany Matthews of the Murfreesboro Police Department, Lindsey Lester of the Smyrna Police Department, Candace Elmore of the LaVergne Police Department and Kelly Dotson of the Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service.

Hear the program

Here is a podcast of the presentations by the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District . . .