KLICKITAT COUNTY—National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), celebrated April 13–19, 2025, is a time to honor the dedicated professionals who serve as the vital link between the public and emergency services. The Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management proudly recognizes the exceptional service, leadership, and lifesaving efforts of our dispatch team—our heroes behind the headset.
This year, we are proud to present two distinguished awards:
Telecommunicator of the Year: Hannah Walter
In recognition of your hard work and dedication to the success of the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management, 9-1-1 Dispatch. Your contributions in achieving our NCMEC certification. Your involvement in the State Training Standards Committee for the betterment of Emergency Communications Centers and Telecommunications Officers across Washington. Your hard work on our training program for many years. You go above and beyond for everyone, your team mates, management, field units and the residents of our county. We are very grateful to have you as a Leader of our team! Thank you for your contributions to the success of Klickitat County DEM!
Picture attached of: Jeff King – Director, Hannah Walter-Lead Communications Officer, & Filiberto Ontiveros – Chief of Operations
9-1-1 Lifesaver Award: Caroline Knopes
We’re saddling up during Spirit Week as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW)—a time to celebrate the amazing heroes behind the headset. Today, we’re tipping our hats not just to Western Day, but also to Caroline Knopes, who was honored with the 9-1-1 Lifesaver Award for her incredible work and dedication. Caroline Knopes, In Recognition of Your Courageous and Lifesaving Actions during a 9-1-1 call on June 3rd, 2024, you provided critical life-saving instructions to a wife whose husband was in cardiac arrest. Your swift and composed response contributed to saving a life and exemplifies the highest standards of dedication and service.
Picture attached of: Caroline Knopes-Communications Officer & Jeff King-Director
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