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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2007)
vernonia’s voice local community november 2007 17 Columbia 9-1-1 Celebrates Contributions of Partners and Staff Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District News Release Columbia 9-1-1 celebrated outstanding contributions of public safety partners and staff at their annual recognition ceremony at the District fa- cility on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, and on Wednesday, October 10, 2007, at a District staff meeting for those staff members who could not attend the recognition reception due to illness. Operations Manager Lee Knowlton was recognized for twenty years of service to the 9-1-1 District and Communications Specialists Deb Frank- lin and Nathan McCallum were presented five year service certificates. Outstanding communications support during a multi-agency response to a knife fight at a bar, a K9 track resulting in a suspect taken into cus- tody, a residential structure fire in which all residents and the family dog were safely rescued and relocated to shelter provided by the Red Cross, a multi-agency response to a shooting, and a successful multi-agen- cy search and rescue of two children garnered 2006-7 Critical Incident Awards for Communications Specialists Trish Hilsinger, Deb Franklin, Nathan McCallum and Supervisors Terri Levie and Tracy Edinger. Two incidents in which the 9-1-1 call taker provided CPR instruction to revive a baby who had ceased to breathe due to an obstructed airway earned two Lifesaver Awards for Communications Specialist Trish Hilsinger. Public Safety Partner awards were given in appreciation for assistance provided in the selection of a new community outcall notification sys- tem to Mike Cave from Dyno-Nobel in Columbia City, Diane Dillard from Boise in St. Helens, Vernonia Police Chief Matt Workman, and Columbia River Fire and Rescue Chief Jay Tappan. Special recognition was given to Alicia Little of Dyno-Nobel who also maintains the contract for the system in partnership with Columbia 9-1-1 and the Columbia Emergency Planning Association. Employees of the Year, selected by Columbia 9-1-1 staff and presented as a surprise at the end of the ceremony, were Communications Special- ist Trish Hilsinger, Operations Manager Lee Knowlton and Administrator Sally Jones. Hilsinger was recognized for her ability as a new employee trainer; she is quick to help others, is highly competent, shows a great deal of compassion with callers, and makes a complex job look much easier than it is. Knowlton was recognized for setting a standard of integrity for all employees and for his sound advice, patient coaching, meticulous record keeping, and fairness. The event was followed by a chicken, ribs and salmon barbecue prepared by Board Members Henry Heimuller, Dee Wooley and Wes McMahan. Vernonia Open Air Market This past summer and fall saw the start of a new tradition in Vernonia. The Vernonia Com- munity Learning Center (VCLC) was the host for a weekly Open Air Market, held on Friday evenings from 4-7:00 PM. The market was a mix between a farmers’ market and a craft fair. Vendors provided items like fresh produce from their gardens, fresh baked goods, canned jams and vegetables, and ornamental gourds and corn, as well as crafts like homemade aprons, bird- houses, and candles. There was dinner available most evenings and even live music. The VCLC is planning to host an indoor craft market during the month of December, and start up the Open Air Market again next summer. Herb Schroeder and Scott Miller, service technicians with Qwest, were presented Public Safety Partner awards in appreciation for their exper- tise and good humor under pressure during technical conversions, up- grades and repairs to the emergency call reporting system. Columbia County Sheriff Deputy Scotty Davidson earned the Public Safety Partner award in appreciation for his supportive good nature and professional approach in spite of extreme pressure of many calls and callouts from home. If interested in having a table at either the December Indoor Market or the Open Air Mar- ket next summer you can con- tact the VCLC at 429-1030, or Scott Laird at 503-367-0098. ue rm an DM D Vernonia Dental Dr . ri h C s er h to p M ch S . e 622 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR 97064 phone (503) 429-0880 -- fax (503) 429-0881