Kathleen Anne Buchner, (Kathy), entered in to rest on Dec. 10, 1998. Loved and respected by everyone who knew her. A dispatcher for 22 years, she worked at Santa Clara County Communications, San Jose, California. She will remain forever in our hearts. She had the gift of humor and the ability to brighten anyone's day. Kathy was an advocate for Canine Companions. Our dispatch center has collected enough in monetary donations to have a permanent brick placed on their wall, engraved with her name. Rest in peace, Kathy. We will always miss you. This page is inspired by and dedicated to the memory of Kathy.

Linda Dean Sheppard Smoak. 09/11/72-07/31/95... Linda came to us from the Lexington (SC) Co. S/O., where she had been a dispatcher for 2 years. She started with us 05/12/95, and had been married to a Deputy in the next County over the month before.
On her way home from the evening shift on 07/31/95, as she was coming up to an intersection, a car, driven by a DUI at a high rate of speed, crossed over into her lane, hitting her head on. She died instantly. The driver was arrested and convicted of Felony Driving Under the Influence.
Dean was a member of this department for only a short time, but is still missed...On her application for employment, she listed the reasons that she wanted to be a dispatcher - You are the lifeline between the public and emergency personnel. The public looks to you for help, and the emergency personnel look to you for help. "It is the fact that I can help people, which is what I enjoy doing."

Shelia Bussey, (Ms.B.), entered into rest on April.10, 1996. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. A dispatcher for 8 years. She came to work at the Columbus Police Dept. 911 Center, Columbus Georgia on Oct. 10,1988.
Shelia worked until a week before Cancer took her away from us. She will remain forever in our hearts. She had the gift of humor and the ability to brighten anyone's day.
Shelia you will be missed. Rest in peace,
Shelia Bussey
02-19-44 ~ 04-10-96

Communications Supervisor Linda Beal Baum of the Porter County Sheriff's Department, a great dispatcher and dear friend, was taken from this life on November 15, 1997, in a motor vehicle crash. Linda loved her family, her friends, and her work. She was instrumental in bringing E-911 to the County. The Comm Center at the Sheriff's Department is named in her honor. She is greatly missed by her husband, parents, friends and coworkers, and this very old friend.

My name is Melanie Walsh. I have worked in communications since 1991. I would like to ask that a friend of mine who has passed on to be added to your memorial page. She died under tragic circumstances and will never be forgotten in my heart or in the comm center. Her name is Leighanne Manning Cutts. She and her husband were killed by her step-son while her 2 children from a previous marriage watched on March 13, 1998. They were ambushed as they arrived home by her step-son and a friend of his. The step-son and friend have both since been convicted and are serving their time. She worked with the Enterprise Police Department, Al for 11 years before she was killed. She trained myself and was not just a wonderful dispatcher but a wonderful friend. Her husband was a fire fighter with the Enterprise Fire Dept for many years before he was killed. They are both missed for their work and their strong moral values and friendships. I would appreciate any consideration you would give to adding her to your memorial page. Thank you.

Patricia Lee McGowen (Patty), entered into rest March 20, 1998. A dispatcher for 16 years, she worked at Santa Clara County Communications, San Jose, California. She was irreverent, she was loud, she kept us all laughing, and she always got it done. She left her career as a dispatcher to realize her dream of becoming a dietician. She went back to school (while working 3 jobs!), and got her degree as a registered dietician. You are not forgotten my friend. May you rest in peace.

Robert (Silky)Sullivan, Tuesday, August 18, 1998. A 23 year veteran of dispatching for Philadelphia, Pa., Silky was the victim of a diving accident at the age of 15, but never let that get him down. He overcame the disability and maintained his interest in sports as well as keeping everyone around him laughing with his humorous ways. The department will sorely miss him.

William E. Gates, Jr. (aka: Butch), Monday, November 30, 1998. A Senior Emergency Communications officer with the City of Richmond, Virginia since August of 1987. He had also worked for several of the local ambulance companies that served the area. During his time with the city, Butch also served as a member of the West End Volunteer Rescue Squad and the New Kent Volunteer Fire Department. Through his employment and his volunteer activities he has touched many lives in Central Virginia. My friend, you are missed.

Mariln Smalley, Sacramento Communications Center for the California Highway Patrol. We will feel the loss of a very dear friend. ID A5594. Marilyn passed away on Jan. 2, 1999. The CHP has been requested for honor guard and traffic control participation at the services.

The CHP Inland Communications Center regrets the passing of Communications Supervisor I, Ms. Marcella "Mo" Ozenne, #A6774. "Mo" died this morning (02/13/99) of an apparent heart attack; she was 48 years old and is survived by her son and husband. Mo began her career with the CHP in October 1983 and had worked at various CHP Comm Centers throughout the state.

Milan "Spike" Baran, (Badge #612), age 61, passed away June 2, 1999 in Toms River, NJ. He was a dispatcher for the Dover Township Police Department for 25 years, retiring in August of 1998. His career was highlighted as a firefighter in Seaside Park (1960); East Dover Fire Company in 1973 (where he was a life member); Fire Chief from 1979-1980; Dover Township District #1 Fire Chief from 1981-1992; and was the current Director of the Dover Twp. Fire Academy. He was a liaison to the Ocean County Fire Academy, was affiliated with the Exempt firefighters of the State of New Jersey, a member of the Ocean County Fire Chiefs Association, past president of the Dover Twp. Fire Officers Association, a member of the State Fire Training council, the International Society of Fire Chiefs, and the International Society of Fire Service Instructors. In the passing of Spike the Communications Division will lose a part of itself, but his character will live on in those who worked with him. Spike, you will be missed and remembered by all.

Lt. Cynthia A. Faulk (Cyndi) of the Rutherford County Tn. Sheriff's Dpt. went home to be with the Lord on 13 Oct. 1999. Cyndi had been with the dept. as a dispatcher for 12 years and had been our Lt. for the last several years, the first lieutenant in communications. After fighting a long bout with cancer Cyndi went to rest with her husband and son at her side. A good supervisor, a good dispatcher and a loving person, Cyndi gave and gave until the final minutes of her life, uplifting everyone around her even as she knew she would not leave the hospital. Her spirit infused everyone she came into contact with. She is lovingly remembered by all who had the honor to serve with her.

John "Big John" G. Glowacki, (Badge # 680), age 34, passed away August 23, 2000, in Toms River, NJ. He was a Fire Dispatcher with the Dover Township Fire Department for the past 11 years. He started his career with the Dover Township Police Department as a Booking Officer in 1987 and later transferred to be a Police Dispatcher and later a Fire Dispatcher. He was the President and former Captain of the East Dover First Aid Squad (serving as a squad member for 18 years); A member and past President of the Dover Twp. First Aid Captains Association; A Deputy Emergency Management Director - Coordinator of EMS; The Senior Instructor and Coordinator of the Emergency Medical Technician Program for the Saint Barnabas Health Care Systems Community Medical Center Division; The Senior EMS Instructor and Coordinator of EMS Programs at the Dover Twp. Fire Academy; He held numerous offices and posts in the Jersey Shore Amateur Radio Association, maintaining several amateur radio systems, web sites and bulletin boards.
In the passing of "Big John" the Communications Division will lose a part of itself, but his character will live on in those who worked with him. John, you will be missed and remembered by all.

We lost Sharon Brown on August 2, 2000. She had worked with the Arlington County Virginia Emergency Communications Center for six years. During that time, she became a respected colleague and cherished friend. Her warmth and sincerity touched so many lives. We will never forget her.

Last Tuesday, Public Safety Dispatcher Jim Ford of the Corona (CA) Police Dept. passed away from appearant natural causes. Jim had just celebrated his 28th birthday and is survived by his mother, Sara. The mayor has ordered all city flags to be at half-mast Saturday, November 11th, 2000 in his memory.

It is with tremendous sadness and needless to say a very heavy heart that I announce the death of my closest friend, Twana Scott. She was killed on November 30 in a horrific traffic crash with an ambulance transporting patients near the Gadsden/Leon county line in Tallahassee, Fl.
She worked as a police/fire dispatcher and training officer with the Tallahassee Police Department for almost 6 years. Prior to working for TPD she was a dispatcher with the Quincy Police Department in Quincy, Fl. I cannot go without saying that she was truly the best and most devoted person I know. Her death is quite a shock to all of us and she will be forever missed, especially during those critical times when she held it all together for us.
She is survived by one son, her mother, three brothers, numerous neices, nephews, cousins, and a loving boyfriend. Lest we not forget her "second" family and friends among the Tallahassee Police Department. She touched each one of us in a very special way and will continue to do so every day.
God Bless Twana, I miss and love you very very much.
Stephanie Jo Irvine
Public Safety Communications Operator
Tallahassee Police Department

Sheriff Dan Linehan Regretfully announces the passing of Malissa Sadler Greely after a long illness. Malissa Sadler Greeley was a Rockingham County Dispatch Supervisor and Special Deputy.
Malissa Courageously Battled Cancer for several months and "Mal" Will be sadly missed.
Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Further information will follow as it becomes available.
AUTH/sHERIFF JAMES DANIEL LINEHAN OPER/SCRIBNER,R 2310 HRS

It is with GREAT Sadness that I post the loss of 47yo Comm Tech #47 Miss Renee Woods. Renee was a 21year member of the Columbus Ohio Div of Police employee. Renee Passed away early Yesterday morning of a Heart Attack.
SHE WILL BE MISSED
Jim
Columbus Police
Columbus Ohio

Received 01/03/02:
I don't know if this is where we type the memorial or tell you about the person that we want the memorial to be about. My name is Jenifer Lunsford. I am afternoon shift supervisor for Palm Beach Gardens Police Dept in FL. A year ago February one the dispatchers on my shift by the name of Ron Snyder took his own life. He was battling a lot of personal issues and a lot of his fellow dispatchers believe the only time he cared about himself was when he was dispatching. He was with us for 2 years and truly enjoyed his job. I think it was the only time he felt good about himself. He loved to help people, but had a hard time asking for help for himself. He is still talked about a lot in the comm center and is missed dearly. He had a quirky sense of humor and could make you laugh at the times you really needed to laugh. It is very sad to type this but when I read the other memorials I realized that those dispatchers are missed just as missed as Ron is. We are a rear commodity and this website is a wonderful idea and I know other dispatchers that see the site will appreciate it as much as I did. I don't know your criteria for entering the memorials on the website but if Ron can be considered it would be a great honor for him. Please email me if you need more information.

It's with great sadness I report this information: Early this morning, a Grant County, Kentucky dispatcher was shot and killed in a domestic situation at his home. His sister-in-law is also a dispatcher for that agency, and his brother, a dispatcher for my agency.
Arrangements for Joe Wood:
Visitation 10 am, funeral 2 pm
Saturday 01-26-2002
Elliston Stanley Funeral Home
Williamstown, KY

Cards may be sent to:
Grant County Dispatch
212 Barnes Rd
Williamstown, KY 41097
I received another memorial for this dispatcher from a co-worker.
Joey Wood was a very special person. From the first time I met him in high school until the last time I saw him he was making me smile. Joey and I worked together at Grant County 911, in Williamstown KY. We became very close working 3rd shift together. We laughed we joked around we were sad together and we were excited together..there were lots of inside jokes and high-fives and most of all there was Joey's smile. Joey had a smile that lit up the room and when he was unhappy or down about something you could always tell, and usually get it out of him. He loved motorcycles and playstation and he was a great lover of all different kinds of music. If you were lucky you might have even caught Joey doing Karaoke. Joey was hired on as a dispatcher here a little over a year ago. He truely loved his job. He loved helping people and most of all, he loved helping and being close to all of the officers and deputies he worked with. Joey went the extra mile, he did his work 110%. He made me proud to work with him. And he was always asking me if I liked working with him...my answer of course was always yes. Joey had aspirations of becoming a police officer and was so excited when he turned 21 on January 1st because then he was old enough for the police academy. Joey had applications in all over the place..and he loved talking about law enforcement. Joey was a friend to everyone he ever met..he rarely said anything bad about anyone. Joey was a gentle soul who was put on this earth for a short time but effected so very many. On January 24,2002 Joey was fatally shot. We are all heart broken by the loss of Joey. Things just wont be the same here. Joey is survived by his mother Debbie,his Step-Father, his father a brother Russell and Sister-in-Law Dacia a niece Taylor and a nephew that he Adored, Joshie. A sister Terri and her husband. and many other friends and family...we will all miss him so very much.

02/28/2002:
Emergency Communications Technician Carol Hilleary of the Falls Church Police Department, former dispatcher for the Vinton, VA police department, lost her battle with cancer at approximately 1100 hours today. She was only 41 years old, loved by all who knew her and well respected by the officers with whom she worked.
Please keep Carol's family, friends, and coworkers in your prayers.

David M. Turney was a 27 year member of the the Oakland, MD Volunteer Fire Department as well as the separate Garrett County Rescue Squad. He was working as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at Garrett County Central Alarm, his job of three years, when he was found collapsed at his 911 console, said Lt. Jeff Hinebaugh of the Oakland VFD . Hinebaugh said the other dispatcher on duty had gone out for a dinner break, leaving Turney alone. Turney answered his last call at 7:23 p.m. The next call at 7:49 went unanswered, and Turney missed a second call before he was found at about 8:20 p.m. Another firefighter/EMT had come to visit at the dispatch center, and found Turney unresponsive. He called the local ambulance service by phone because he didn't know how to use the console, Hinebaugh said. Turney was taken to Garrett County Memorial Hospital where resuscitation efforts ended after about 20 minutes. He was pronounced dead of a massive coronary at 8:55 p.m. Although the 911 center was down for about 30 minutes after Turney was stricken, Hinebaugh said the two calls he missed turned out to be non-emergencies. Turney, 50, is survived by his wife Rose. "He was a friend of everybody," Hinebaugh said. Turney was treasurer of the fire company, a member of the local Elks, and was the former Mayor of Mountain Lake Park, a town just outside Oakland. Hinebaugh said Turney was a great guy, was always laughing, and always put the fire department first. Viewing will take place at the Durst Funeral Home in Oakland, MD on Wednesday, May 8 from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, May 9 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be held Friday May 10 at 11 a.m. at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Oakland. The department plans to transport Turney on their antique fire engine, a 1932 American LaFrance that they restored in 1994 when the fire company was 100 years old.

On December 7, 2001, I lost both a close friend and fellow Dispatcher, Leigh Anne Warren #292 to a brain annurysm. Leigh (aka BooBoo), was a veteran dispatcher, mother, and wife. She was not only one of our senior Dispatchers at the White Settlement Police Department (Texas), but one of our communication training officers, and friend as well. She had been awarded APCO's telecommunicator of the year award a few years ago and was always professional in her duties to the officers of our department and our community as well. She has been missed greatly.
Kellye Snyder
Communications Training Officer
White Settlement Police Department

09/04/02: Sheriff Simmons of Greenville, SC was killed in a fatal off-duty accident today. Simmons joined the sheriff's office as a 21-year-old dispatcher in 1973 and served as the Sheriff's Office public information officer and also head of its SWAT team.

Received 09/13/02:It is with a heavy heart to again report the passing of another one of our own. I did not know Michael Page personally but I did deal with him in the role of a dispatcher. Below is the news clip. I will post funeral arrangements as soon as I get them. Respectfully Jeremie
Holyoke Police Dispatcher Dies State and local police are investigating what caused the fatal car crash that claimed the life of Holyoke Senior Police Dispatcher, Michael Page. Mr. Page died when he struck a parked car at the intersection of Sycamore and Sargent Streets. Page was off duty at the time.
Police confirm speed was not a factor in the accident. Plans for an autopsy are underway, and funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. Page was the son of retired police captain Richard Page.

Dianne Dickerson entered into rest on February 22, 2004. She was a very strong Fire and EMS dispatcher. At one point she worked 2 full time jobs as a Dispatcher. A dispatcher for 10 years. She came to work at the Columbus Police Dept. 911 Center, Columbus Georgia on January 22, 1994. Dianne worked the day before and left work with a headache. The next morning when Dianne was not on the floor a hour early and there was no answer at her home. A Police Officer was sent to her home and that is when he found her. She had passed away in her sleep. She will remain forever in our hearts. A Dispatcher for Fire and EMS with the Columbus Police Department Columbus Ga For several years also Dispatched for the Harris County 911, Fortson, Ga.

Telecommunicator Douglas L. Antoine passed away suddenly on February 12th, 2005 at the age of 34. Doug was hired in March of 1994 as a Corrections Officer for Lee County Sheriff's Department, Dixon IL. He was also a member and EMT for Amboy Fire Department and had worked part time for the Amboy Police Department. After having both hips replaced, Doug transferred to dispatch. Doug was an inspiration, mentor and most of all, a great friend. He was always reminding us of the three D's-don't doubt Doug!! During his funeral, an eagle was flying over the procession; we like to think it was Doug's spirit watching over us. Doug will be sadly missed by the whole department. We will strive to follow his fine example of professionalism and devotion to serving others.

Theresa "Terri" Grasmick passed away shortly after her day work tour on 2-19-05. She was a valued member of the Gloucester Township Police Department in NJ for over 18 years. Her sudden death left a huge void in our communications center. She was one of the best at her job and put her all into everything she did. Terri was one of the senior dispatchers who took pride in her job and was not afraid of new technology she was one of the first to use the new Mobil Communications Unit. She will be missed and never forgotten. God speed Terri and keep us all safe from up there with Lt Saunders and Trooper Zimmerman.

Alicia House entered into rest on December 17, 2005. She was respected by everyone who knew her. A Call-Taker for 13 years. She came to work at the Columbus Police Dept. 911 Center, Columbus Georgia on July 30,1990. She retired on Aug. 1, 2003 for health reasons. The first part of December she took ill and was put into the hospital from there she was taken to The Hospice House there she stayed there for a few days when Cancer took her away from us. She will remain forever in our hearts. She had the gift of humor and the ability to brighten anyone's day. Alicia you will be missed. Rest in peace.

Carol P. Hancock entered into rest on December 18, 2005. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. She came to work for the City of Columbus on August 1,1964 as the first female paramedic with EMS after many years with EMS she then she came to the 911 center as a Shift Supervisor from there Carol took over the training of the 911 center. Carol retired on May 31, 2001 after 37 years of service. On Saturday December 17th she and her family were on the way to spend the Holidays with her family in South Carolina stopped in Atlanta for some shopping. The next morning her husband could not wake her. She passed in her sleep. She will remain forever in our hearts. She had the gift of humor and the ability to brighten anyone's day. Carol you will be missed. Rest in peace.

It is with great sadness that I post the loss of Tracy Weiner, Public Safety Dispatcher for the City of El Segundo, CA. Tracy was a dispatcher here for 4 years. She took her own life on October 30, 2005. Tracy truly enjoyed her job and brought smiles to each and everyone of her co-workers. Tracy will be missed.

HI. I LOST MY HUSBAND OF 30 YRS. JAN. 9TH, 2006. HE WAS A POLICE DISPATCHER AND A 911 OPERATOR FOR THE LAST 20 YRS. HE WORKED FOR WHITTIER P.D. HE JUST TURNED 50 ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND HE WAS FINE. HE DIED SUDDENLY AT HOME OF A APPARENT HEART ATTACK. HE ALWAYS TOLD ME HOW STRESSFUL HIS JOB WAS BUT I GOT SO USED TO THE ROUTINE. SHIFT CHANGES, UNABLE TO SLEEP, WAS NEVER ABLE TO GO TO FAMILY FUNCTIONS CAUSE HE WORKED SO MUCH OVERTIME CAUSE THEY WERE ALWAYS SHORT AND WHOEVER THEY TRAINED JUST COULDN'T HANDLE IT SO THEY QUIT. I AM SO SAD. I MISS HIM SO MUCH. HE CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO OUR COMMUNITY AND I WISH HE KNEW THAT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LETTING ME VENT. HE WAS TRULY MY SOULMATE........ SINCERELY, DENISE ELDRIDGE,

ELIZABETH "BETSY" OHL, 61, of TOMS RIVER, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, Jan. 22, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pittston, Pa., and lived there until age 9. She then moved to Nutley, where she graduated from Nutley High School. Betsy worked as a dispatcher for the Lakewood Police Department for the past 23 years. Betsy was a very feisty, generous person always willing to help anyone in need. Betsy was a double amputee but never complained and worked full-time. Betsy loved ceramics and John Wayne. She was predeceased by her parents, Franklin F. Ohl and M. Elizabeth Ohl. Betsy is survived by her siblings, Karen Crowley, Kenneth Ohl and Kathryn Flath, all of Brick, and Rosemary Donald of Toms River. Betsy was an aunt to seven nieces, a great-niece, and a nephew. She was a beloved sister, aunt and friend. This strong minded woman was loved and will be missed by her family and friends. Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Weatherhead Young Funeral Home, 885 Mantoloking Road, Brick. (Cedarbridge Rd & Old Hooper Ave). Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. from St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lakewood. Interment will take place in St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood. A donation can be made in her memory to the American Diabetes Association Memorial Program, PO Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720

• Acknowlege that there is no magical solution for eliminating the pain you are feeling.
• Accept that you have definite limitations for now, and that is not "wrong", it just is.
• Realize that you must look at your true priorities and determine what is truly meaningful for you (and for friends and family).
• Give yourself permission to let go of the "shoulds" and "have-to's" for now.
• Allow yourself time to grieve.
• Do not feel guilty.
• Try to find constructive things to do, at least some of the time.
• Avoid over indulgence in alcohol or drugs. In the end, they only make matters worse.
• Don't hide your feelings. Talk about them with those who care.
• Do something loving for someone else.

• Purchase a special remembrance candle. Place it in a prominent place in your home. Burn it all day, or at special times.
• Place a special flower or bouquet on a table by a photograph.
• Attend a religious service.
• Make a memorial contribution in his/her name.
• Plant a living memorial tree or shrub.
• Help someone less fortunate than you.

These ideas and suggestions are from our local Center for Living With Dying. Your center should have something similar, or a CISD team you might contact. Most of all, be good to yourself. Honor the lives your partners lived and the jobs they did for everyone - they would want you to remember them with smiles.

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