By Greg Welter, Oroville Mercury Register
Original publication date: April 15, 2011

Chico, Calif — Public safety agencies throughout Butte County had the tools of their trade on display Thursday during a local celebration of the 20th annual National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The free event, hosted by the Chico Elks Lodge, featured booths where children could learn more about public safety careers such as telecommunications, and enjoy demonstrations that included a bomb squad robot, an arson dog and the landing of a law enforcement helicopter.

The day was capped by an awards banquet at Manzanita Place honoring dispatchers of the year from 10 Butte County law enforcement and public safety agencies.

This year, for the first time, dispatchers with the area’s two medical response providers, First Responder and Enloe Emergency Services, were included. Top dispatchers were:

Butte County Sheriff’s Office Helge Rivas. She started in 2007 after working nine years for Monterey County Emergency Communications.

Cal Fire-Butte County Greyson Wright. Since joining the agency in 2006, Wright has also found time to earn a bachelors degree in Business Management from Chico State University.

California Highway Patrol Deanna Barkley. A 10-year veteran, also received the award in 2004. She is currently in line for promotion to dispatch supervisor.

Chico Police and Fire departments Wendy Gebicke. It’s her second such recognition, after being named dispatcher of the year in 2006. She has been with the department since 2001.

Oroville Police Department Marci Mangano. She began her career in emergency dispatching in 1990 with California State Parks and came to Oroville in 1993. Mangano is also a dispatch trainer and a previous recipient of the top dispatcher award.

Paradise Police and Fire departments Karen Braun. It was the third time Braun has been so honored, and she is the first dispatcher with the department to receive the award in consecutive years. Chico State University Police Raymond “Gabe” Martinez. He joined the department in 2006, after working for 10 years as a dispatcher for the Marysville Police Department. A veteran, he served in 2009-10 as commander of a local chapter of Disabled American Veterans.

Gridley-Biggs Police Department Stephanie Rekers. She started with the department as a part-time dispatcher in 2009 and has been full-time for almost a year. She previously worked as a preschool teacher.

Enloe Medical Center Emergency Services Robert Sutton. He has been with the hospital since 1995. With a love for gadgets and Internet technology, Sutton is the “go to” guy for troubleshooting equipment in the communications center. First Responder Stacey Kloth. She joined the company in 2007. She states that the most satisfying part of her job is helping people anonymously. Each recipient was presented with a plaque provided by the Chico Elks Lodge No. 423. 

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