BERRIEN COUNTY DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR DEMONSTRATES EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP

By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
ST. JOSEPH – The county’s top dispatchers were honored at last week’s Berrien County Board of Commissioners meeting. Berrien County 911 Administrator/Director Caitlin Sampsell and Berrien County Undersheriff Greg Sanders presided over the presentation. Sanders is chairman of the county’s 811 Advisory Committee, which reviewed the nominations and selected the winner.
Sanders recognized five nominees: Niles Dispatcher Keith Lehman; Berrien County Dispatchers Audrey McCrery, Cheyenne Bond, Christina Selent; and retired Berrien County Dispatch Supervisor Sarah Blurton. Examples of their work included multi-tasking of critical duties in response to a structure fire while working solo, assisting in the quick recovery of a stolen vehicle, managing emergency response to a reported active threat at a high school, and providing a calm response to a firefighter Mayday.
The nominees also developed rapport with a caller in crisis for over 90 minutes on the phone, reunited lost animals with their owners, participated in the training of new telecommunicators, and developed an onboarding and employee engagement group called Team Connect.
“They all have a willingness help people, an ability to multitask, listening skills and good communication skills,” Sanders added. “They work 24-hour schedules because when people need help, they need it right then. It’s kind of like a rollercoaster, they have busy times and down times. We are very fortunate to have talented people in these positions.”
Sanders then announced Berrien County Dispatch Supervisor Kristina Burks had won the “Dispatcher of the Year” award. “She demonstrated exceptional leadership in several incidents in 2024,” he said. Burks efficiently supervised the storm response in the south county on Aug. 27, coordinating fire, police, emergency medical service and utility workers.
He mentioned her work in managing dual critical injury accidents in the same jurisdiction on Oct. 13, and in coordinating the response to a double shooting Nov. 2 in Eau Claire. “The ability to manage large scale incidents and run multiple channels highlights her skills,” Sanders said.
He also noted that Burks has been recognized by her fellow supervisors for her leadership role in bringing up questions and concerns, as well as being a strong advocate of celebrating and supporting dispatchers during the year. “She makes sure everyone feels valued and appreciated and organizes shift dinners,” he said. “She’s an invaluable member of the department.”
Sampsell added that Burks is also a member of the Berrien County Public Safety Communication Center (Berrien County 911) and the entire Berrien County public safety responder community.
The “Dispatcher of the Year” award is presented during National 911 Public-Safety Telecommunicators Week, which is annually recognized in April, during National 911 Education Month. Those interested in becoming a dispatcher should check with their local 911 Center for open opportunities. People can learn more online about the Berrien County Public Safety Communication Center and its employment opportunities.
A new opportunity will be offered this fall for high school students interested in pursuing a career as a dispatcher. Berrien County’s High School Career Technical Education Program is offering a 911 Dispatch track for seniors in the 2025-2026 school year through the Berrien Springs school district. Enrollment is open now with information available through high school guidance offices.