By Elizabeth Evans, The York Dispatch
Original publication date: April 15, 2011

York County, Pa. — York County’s top 911 employees agree — doing the job well requires a strong, close-knit team of co-workers. And all three said they have that critical support every day.

On Friday, the county honored the top 911 dispatcher of 2010, as well as the top supervisor and top support staffer for 2010.

Melissa L. Miller, 40, of North Codorus Township, who was named the county’s top dispatcher, admitted that when she was first hired 22 years ago, it was just a job to her.

“But I found I loved helping people,” she said. “It was a really good feeling at the end of the day.”

Whether she’s guiding a distraught family member through CPR instructions or sending help to someone injured in a vehicle crash, there’s satisfaction in knowing you’ve made a difference, Miller said.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

“It can be upsetting for us (dispatchers),” Miller admitted. “Sometimes we hang up the phone and (we’re in) tears. You feel for people … and you think about them when you go home.”

The award was a surprise for Miller — though not for her daughter, 18-year-old Brittany Miller, or her parents and brother. All four attended Friday’s award ceremony.

Top supervisor: Mikey Keiter, who was honored as the county’s top 911 supervisor, said he enjoys being able to support the dispatchers.

“I show them compassion,” he said. “They have a really tough job. I know — I did it for years.”

Keiter, 46, of Dallastown, started in 1982 as a 911 dispatcher about two weeks after graduating from high school; he was promoted to supervisor in 1993 or ’94, he said.

Sometimes after a particularly difficult call, it helps dispatchers to talk it over with someone who empathizes, Keiter said.

He said he still handles some calls, primarily those referred to him by dispatchers.

“Knowing that you made a difference or helped save a life” is rewarding, he said. “A lot of times, we can help catch the bad guys. That’s a good feeling.”

Keiter and his wife, Louise, have a blended family including seven children, ages 15 to 27.

Top support staffer: Lori Slothour choked back tears as she accepted her award as top support staffer of the year.

“I was just really surprised I got chosen, because there’s so many good people here,” she said. “It’s just an honor.”

Slothour, 46, is administrative assistant to Eric Bistline, executive director of the York County Department of Emergency Services.

She said it’s a pleasure to be at work every day and to share in the feeling of teamwork within the department.

Slothour lives in Hamilton Township, Adams County, with her husband, Roy. They have a grown son and daughter.

Proud: Bistline said he’s very proud of all three honorees, and of everyone in the emergency-services department.

“This is probably one of the front-running dispatch centers in the nation,” he said.

In 2010, the York County 911 Center handled more than 320,000 emergency calls and more than two million “push-to-talks,” which are radio transmissions from police, fire, rescue and ambulance officials.

The three winners received plaques, proclamations from the county commissioners and gift baskets.

About the Author
Reach Elizabeth Evans at [email protected], 505-5429 or twitter.com/ydcrimetime. 

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