When Leslie Hennessee attended the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 18, the telecommunicator for the county’s 911 system thought she would be talking about the call center’s computer system.
Instead, she was surprised to learn she was there to receive the Mary Atley Telecommunicator of the Year award. Hennessee, who has been with New Hanover County Emergency Communications for four years, was recognized for her quick thinking during a call last summer. County Manager Chris Coudriet said that during a call with a trainee, she recognized that the caller wanted to say more but couldn’t. However, Coudriet said that Hennessee was able to get the caller the needed help.
“In those few minutes, this telecommunicator made an amazing difference in people’s lives,” Coudriet said.
Hennessee, who told the board members that she was from a public safety family, said she was humbled to receive the award.
“I’m fortunate to go to a job everyday that I absolutely love,” she said. “Four years afterwards, it still feels like the first day I stepped into this job.”
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