Telecommunicator Week

The second complete week in April each year is dedicated to celebrating the many that sit under the headset and hold the Gold Line. 

This year, April 12th through the 18th is that week. Within dispatch the saying “Seconds Count” is often heard. I would like to take the time to highlight the HEROES that are making each Second count when it counts! Often only their voice is heard then forgotten but call after call they hold steady and true. 

Your Current Telecommunicators: 

Steven (Tyler):

Steven is 307,497,600 seconds and counting into his career, he began on July 7, 2016. He currently serves as Dispatch Supervisor and CTO. One of his favorite aspects of his career is the comradery that is built with co-workers. His advice to anyone entering this career is to stick to it, training is never complete as every day is a learning experience. When Steven is not at work, he enjoys spending time with family and adores being called ‘Uncle’ by his nephew Elliot. One of his favorite vacation activities is relaxing while on a cruise. When at home he makes sure to pay plenty of attention to his cat Jinx and dog Aspen. He gives credit to his parents and four sisters for being his biggest supporters in life. 

Josh:

Josh is 179,366,400 seconds and counting into his career, he began on July 29, 2020. Along with dispatching he also holds the responsibility of TAC officer. Being able to help people and the community is one of his favorite aspects of this career. A piece of advice he gives to someone new is to be patient and always remember a normal day for us could be the worst day in the caller’s life. When he is not answering the call, he enjoys different hobbies but his family is a priority. He and his wife, Lisa have four children, Alina, McKenna, Tucker and Remi. He credits his family along with his parents, Amy and Brad, his siblings Brandon and Robyn for being his greatest supporters. But most certainly could not leave out Pip, his dog that has been by his side for 10 years. 

Brad:

Brad is 151,718,400 seconds and counting into his career, he began on June 14, 2021. He states that one of the favorite parts of this career is co-workers, we have a great team. Advice he gives all new dispatchers is to be patient with yourself. Time spent at home is his favorite down time enjoying a nice meal with his significant other, Jimmy and their pets, Remington, Jade and Corduroy. Throughout his life Brad gives credit to his biggest supporters; his parents, Tim and Tammy, for he would not be who he is without them. Also, his grandparents, Gary and Peggy, no matter the distance they have never wavered in supporting him in reaching his goals. 

Zach:

Zach is 138,240,000 seconds and counting into his career, he began on Nov. 17, 2021. One of the favorite parts of his career is the opportunity to help many people in the community. He also states that experience of working with co-workers that have become great friends is an excellent advantage. Advice he helps with someone new to dispatch is to make a great sleep schedule a priority. Not long ago Zach stepped into a new role of being a father. He has embraced fatherhood, mentioning it is the most rewarding experience of his life. He gives credit to his family for supporting him through not only his career but life in general. 

Erin:

Erin is 105,580,800 and counting into her career, beginning on Nov. 30, 2022. Along with dispatching she also serves as a CTO. One of the favorite aspects of her career is that she is never bored, the calls are always different. The advice she shares with all new dispatchers is that it may seem very overwhelming at first but stick with it, as it is a very rewarding career. She credits her parents for always being there to support her and push her toward her achievements. Her boyfriend, Alex, is one of her biggest supporters, they often spend time off-duty together exploring the outdoors and attempting to visit as many National Parks as possible. 

Tyler:

Tyler is 70,070,400 seconds and counting into his career beginning on Jan. 15, 2024. One of the favorite parts of this career is helping the community. He has become known for his steady, even one-of-a-kind voice. Advice he gives to someone new is to rely on your co-workers, we have all been there, this is a great group and will help you through. When off duty he likes to relax with some video games with his cat Clyde by his side. He credits his parents for always supporting him through all paths he has taken. 

Cassidy:

Cassidy is 37,238,400 seconds and counting into her career beginning on Jan. 29, 2025. One of her favorite and scariest parts of this career is the potential to save a life every day. Advice she gives to a new dispatcher is to not be afraid to ask and re-ask questions if needed. Having completed one year in dispatch she is well on her way with her career. Not long ago she, and her husband Aric, welcomed a baby girl, Bell, to their family making son, Ace a big brother! She credits her husband as her biggest supporter. When off duty they take advantage of nature by enjoying camping and just spending time together. 

Francine:

Francine has 37,238,400 seconds beginning her career on Jan. 29, 2025. Advice she gives to new people is to just breathe. Her voice is often heard during the midnight hours, always there to answer your call. She gives credit to her family for supporting her throughout with a special shoutout to her grandson, being a grandma is the best role possible! Francine’s time with dispatch will be coming to an end in a couple weeks. She has accepted the opportunity to begin a new chapter. We wish her the best and know that she is always part of the Gold Line family. 

Eilesha:

Eileshia is 28,339,200 seconds and counting into her career beginning on May 12, 2025. A little less than a year in she has experienced many aspects of the career. She states the favorite part of this so far is the feeling of being a critically valued component of public safety is something that she didn’t know about until she answered the call. Something she lets someone new know is that it may seem like a lot at first but as one learns everything falls into place. When not under the headset she spends time with her husband, Jevon and their pets, Fritzi, Odin, Ollie and Pennie. She credits Javon, her dad, Adam along with her siblings Michael and Marcus and being her constant supporters in life. 

Stevie:

Stevie is 22,032,000 seconds and counting into her career beginning on July 24, 2025. Nine months in she is becoming well acquainted with dispatch. She enjoys learning new aspects and helping people in ways she didn’t know that was possible. She would like someone to know it can be tough at times, but it is worth it. When not on duty she likes to spend time with family and friends, often enjoying shopping. Always making sure that Oreo, her cat, has all that is needed and more. She credits her cousin Karli as being one of her biggest supporters. She hopes to one day travel the world making Egypt and Rome a priority visit. 

Abby:

Abby is 10,800,000 seconds and counting into her career beginning on Dec. 1, 2025. She only recently completed training and has been tackling every new assignment with flying colors. She has noted that there is well more to dispatch than what most people think. Her favorite part is being able to help people in need. When not answering the call, she can be found helping on the family farm with her dog Cash by her side. She credits her big sister Rachel for being her biggest supporter, stating she is “Kind, caring and the best role model.”

I have been in this career for over 883,958,400 seconds and have experienced a full range of calls, experiences and co-workers. I am very proud to sit among all those from the past and present that are brave enough to put on the headset. 

On behalf of Texas County 9-1-1 I would like to say THANK YOU to all near and far that continue to support these HEROES with a calm voice. 

The Texas County Emergency Services office in Houston is funded by a 3/8-cent countywide sales tax approved by voters in 2013. Director Terra Culley can be reached by phone at 417-967-5309 or by email at terraculley911@hotmail.com.