Ohio TERT recently learned that they, along with the other TERT teams who were activated and responded in late 2024, will be honored as recipients of the initial 911 Impact Awards. Along with our fellow TERT teams, other recipients include Renee Gordon, Director of the Alexandria Virginia Department of Emergency and Customer Communications, Jessica Rosenworcel, former chairman of the FCC, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, former U.S. Representative for Washington’s 5th Congressional District.
According to APCO International, the 911 Impact Awards “…provide a unique opportunity to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public safety communications while celebrating the collective achievements of our community…” Ohio APCO President Cheryl Pratt added, “The members of the Ohio TERT Team are true heroes! When they see chaos and destruction around the county the team cannot get there fast enough to aid their fellow telecommunicators. Ohio APCO is proud of the entire team and the sacrifices they have made”.
The 9-1-1 Impact Awards replace the Public Safety Communications Leadership in Policy Awards to encompass a wider range of eligible recipients. Award recipients will be recognized in April in Washington, DC.
Ohio TERT Assistant State Coordinator Johnna Sells said, “I am so very proud of the work this team has done in its short time. We have dedicated deployed members and an outstanding logistics team that make it possible to succeed in these often-stressful situations. Ohio has shown it’s strength in these deployments and I only see this team getting growing and getting better and stronger with each deployment. We are no longer only the invisible voice that provides peace, we are the boots on the ground heading into the disaster. It’s a testament to the resiliency and enthusiasm of our people”.