May Honorees

MCP nominated their Police Communication Officers (PCO); PCS Chaconda Cheeks, PCS Lakeshia Wesby, PCO Damara Knox-Harris, PCO Tameara Blackston, PCO Mechiko Moulden, PCO Connor Coulbourn, PCO Craig Phillips, PCO Maurice Hughes, PCO Felicia Mooney, PCO April Fenner, and PCO Richard Bassett III for Caught DGS in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This nationally recognized week brings recognition to the public safety dispatchers who are an invaluable part of public safety in the State of Maryland.  Dispatchers are the heart of rapid response from law enforcement, fire and medical personnel during emergency situations. They are the front line of first responders and are often overlooked and unseen, yet they play a critical role in coordinating lifesaving efforts. Not only do they save the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors but, they protect the lives of first responders. The job of a PCO is demanding, stressful and difficult.  They work long hours which include days, nights, weekends and holidays. They are always available and engage in many difficult conversations.  An estimated 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in the U.S. each year. In many areas, 80% or more are from wireless devices. Thank you, MCP dispatchers, for your service to the citizens of the State of Maryland. You are truly appreciated!