El Paso-Teller 911 Authority

UPDATE PER CSFD:

“ : As of 1:15pm services to the 911 Communications Center have been restored. All dispatch services are running as normal.”

ATTENTION‼️

Due to a Microsoft failure and CrowdStrike issue all computers in the Colorado Springs Police Department 911 Comm Center are currently down. CSFD and CSPD run out of the same dispatch communications center.

⚠️You can still use 9-1-1 emergency services in Colorado Springs for life threatening situations or crimes in progress⚠️

Stop by the Colorado Springs Fire Department Open House today from 10AM-4PM 🚒

The Authority staff nominates their coworkers each quarter for going above and beyond. Based on nominations from the team, it is our pleasure to announce that the Employee of the First Quarter is Tate Dullum - IT Technician. Here is what the team has to say about Tate:

"Tate is a great problem-solver who is dedicated to finding the fix for all things IT, even if it requires some research on his end. He is always happy to help and is quite the expert in his field. {He} has been nothing but helpful from his first week at the Authority. Specifically, I appreciate his patience with {the implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication}. He quickly responds to {help} tickets and even stays late or works early to help with an issue. Tate is kind and always greets you with a smile. We are lucky to have Tate on the team; he deserves to be recognized for his contributions."

Congratulations, Tate!

Be prepared! Register at peakalerts.org to receive phone, text message, or email notifications about emergencies that threaten your safety.

Thank you, Katie Pelton and Tony Keith at KKTV, for doing a story on Peak Alerts.

https://www.kktv.com/video/2024/06/03/sign-up-peak-alerts-el-paso-teller-counties-emergency-notifications/

Sign up for Peak Alerts in El Paso and Teller Counties for emergency notifications 11 News at 9 (Recurring)

We are pleased to announce that Colorado Springs Police Department's Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) Ryan Sanderson is the Telecommunicator of the First Quarter. He was recognized back in April for his accomplishments.

Ryan is a familiar face—he also won the Telecommunicator of the Quarter award in 2022! The community is extremely fortunate to have a telecommunicator as hardworking and dedicated as Ryan.

Here is a portion of his nomination:
"{in December 2023}, PSD Sanderson received more than a dozen shooting calls at the Citadel Mall. Upon officers arriving on scene, it was discovered there were multiple suspects and multiple victims who were shot. Officers began a search for the suspects. Officer Wolf called out solo with two suspects matching descriptions and needed cover quickly. PSD Sanderson immediately worked to get him cover. Shortly after, another officer called out in a foot pursuit of a suspect running west through the parking lot. PSD Sanderson actively worked to get cover officers to assist those in pursuit. Officers contacted the suspect running on foot and immediately took him into custody. PSD Sanderson managed more than 40 CSPD officers from all four police divisions, multiple deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, and troopers from the Colorado State Patrol during the initial response.
While conducting sweeps of the mall, officers continued to find additional victims, one with multiple gunshot wounds. Several officers called out with uncooperative parties on the scene. PSD Sanderson did an amazing job ensuring all law enforcement officers on scene were safe and were provided with cover units. PSD Sanderson was diligent in obtaining information about code words or safety words to contact employees still inside the mall.

During the investigation, it was discovered there were 3 shooting victims on the scene, as well as a couple more who had already been taken to the hospital. PSD Sanderson did a phenomenal job coordinating medical resources to where they were needed at the scene. He ensured everyone who needed medical care received it. Officers took all suspects involved in the incident into custody, ensuring no additional threat to the community. "

Congratulations on this award, Ryan. It was such an exciting moment watching you receive this award not only once but TWICE!

⚠️HEADS UP⚠️

The CSFD is aware of smoke visible from a fire burning on US Forest Service land. Our partners at USFS are on scene. The CSFD is NOT responding at this time. Please follow U.S. Forest Service - PSICC National Forest for updates.

More info can be found here: http://psiccfireinfo.blogspot.com/2024/06/fire-activity-622024.html

📸:CSFD

The El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority is excited to announce that Peak Alerts are available in more than 130 languages.

Peak Alerts now available in multiple languages in El Paso and Teller County | KRDO A live TV news station covering breaking news and traffic for Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Southern Colorado with a strong investigative team

Are you registered for Peak Alerts? Peak Alerts keeps you in the loop during emergencies that could affect your safety or property. From missing persons to shelter-in-place or evacuation notices, Peak Alerts ensures you're aware and prepared.

Register today at PeakAlerts.org and list up to five addresses and receive alerts for emergencies impacting your home, work, or child's school. Choose your preferred method of contact - text, phone call, or email. Your safety matters, so stay connected with Peak Alerts!

Brave four-year-old awarded 911 Hero Award (EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Heroes can come in all shapes and sizes, and this pint-sized hero displayed calm and courage remarkable for her age. El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal presented a four-yea…

COME JOIN US!!

The CSFD will be conducting 3 Living With Wildfire Townhall Meetings. Residents will hear from the experts about the ongoing threat of wildfire, how to prepare their homes for wildfires, how to be notified of an emergency, what to include in their emergency plan, and information on evacuations during an emergency. Residents will also have the opportunity to sign up for the NeighborhoodChipping Program if eligible and sign up for emergency alerts through PeakAlerts.

Check below for information on the upcoming meetings:

*This position posting is open until May 17th @ 5pm MDT*

The El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority seeks an Executive Director to provide inclusive leadership and strategic management. As the authority's primary spokesperson, the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in representing the interests of the El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority to stakeholders, government agencies, and the public.

To view the Executive Director job description in its entirety and to apply, visit: https://elpasoteller911.bamboohr.com/careers/37

Way to go CSPD!

Big news from the Mountain West: The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has become the world's 73rd Fire ACE and the very first Fire ACE in the whole state!

CSPD is also the longest-tenured medical ACE in the world. The very first time they became a Medical ACE was in 1997.

Congratulations to everyone involved from the managers to the quality assurance specialists to the emergency dispatchers taking every call!

EPSO is aware of an issue for AT&T customers in NE and CO having to do with cellular connectivity. Our 911 systems are operating as normal and are not impacted. Individual AT&T users may have issues making ANY calls. If you are impacted, try using WiFi calling or landline.

The telecommunicators that work behind the scenes of an emergency are considered the first, first responders. The residents of El Paso and Teller Counties are very fortunate to have dedicated call-takers and dispatchers available to answer their calls in times of need.

So, we are pleased to announce the 2023 Telecommunicator of the Year is Samantha Fairbanks, with the Fort Carson Emergency Communications Center! Here is a portion of her nomination letter:

“Samantha joined the FTC team almost two years ago. She was a very quick study, completed her training early, and rapidly became an integral member of the team. On 3.21.2023, the FTC ECC received a call regarding a subject who walked out on a live range that was “hot” and under active fire. When confronted, the subject said he was stressed out and having trouble with his family, and then he got back in his car and left. Samantha quickly realized this to be a suicidal subject and started working on trying to identify the subject from the limited information she had been given.

While units were searching the area for a matching vehicle, Samantha did the following: checked Alpha Rosters, conducted a DOD person search and found two close name matches, checked Colorado Registration and driver’s license files for both names and found a match to the vehicle that left the scene, ran the vehicle and googled the make/model to determine it was a four-door, found a driver’s license and address for the subject, checked the ALERTS system for previous contacts, found the subject’s military unit, found a phone number for the subject in DOD person search, found out what cellular company the subject used, searched ALERTS for any registered weapons, called the staff duty number for the soldier, ran a QQ on the subject, sent the call over to El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for a welfare check at their address, communicated back and forth with EPSO dispatch and BOLO’d the gates for the subject and his vehicle.

This is a lot for a single dispatcher to do while also answering incoming phone calls, but it becomes more impressive knowing that from the time of the initial call, it took only 18 minutes to track down and correctly identify the suicidal subject. Her quick actions and self-initiated activities were 100% responsible for locating this soldier and ensuring that he got the mental health support that he needed.”

Samantha, thank you for everything you do for your community. You certainly deserve this award!

We are pleased to announce the Telecommunicator of the Fourth Quarter (2023) is El Paso County Sheriff's Office's Alivia Gilman.

Here is a portion of her nomination:

"The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office would like to nominate Alivia Gilman for Telecommunicator of the 4th quarter of 2023 for her role in a Water Rescue of 3 teenagers. On June 22, 2023, there was a weather event causing severe flooding and damage throughout the county. Alivia answered the call from 3 teenagers driving home from a movie when the roads in the eastern part of the county flooded. At this point, they were standing on top of the submerged vehicle with flood waters still rising. Alivia’s caller was scared they would not make it through, and his phone only had a 12% battery life. Alivia remained on the phone with this young man for 29 minutes as the water rose and waves pushed their vehicle while rescue teams attempted to find safe access to them. She continually reassured him that help would get them as soon and safely as possible. Alivia did a fantastic job calming him when he would have a re-freak event every time a wave came or the water rose. She talked to him about the movie they went to that night, listened to him pray, and continued to reassure him.

These 3 teenagers called for help at what was most likely the scariest time in their life. Alivia deserves recognition for the vital role she played in saving them and the support and reassurance she provided until help arrived. After a 2-hour rescue, all 3 boys were rescued safely and unharmed."

Congratulations on this award, Alivia. You are a hero!

**The last day to apply for this position is 12.14.2023**

El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority is currently recruiting for a motivated 9-1-1 professional to fill our Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst position. The QA Analyst acts as a subject matter expert in all 9-1-1 policies and procedures and provides leadership, guidance, and support to all telecommunicators in the proper application of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Police, Fire, and Medical Priority Dispatch protocols.

To view the Quality Assurance Analyst job description in its entirety and to apply, visit:

https://elpasoteller911.bamboohr.com/careers/35?source=aWQ9MTg%3D&fbclid=IwAR2wnTozzMljE2r2pp9bw-vwTCCWum45R5tm2RgnvJQY_QtUKa8RPQcZ32c

Are you looking for a rewarding role with a team that values workplace culture, employee recognition, and professional growth? Consider a career with the El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority is currently recruiting for a motivated 9-1-1 professional to fill our Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst position. The QA Analyst acts as a subject matter expert in all 9-1-1 policies and procedures and provides leadership, guidance, and support to all telecommunicators in the proper application of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Police, Fire, and Medical Priority Dispatch protocols; performs telecommunicators functions at the discretion of the appointing authority.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
-A minimum of one year or equivalent experience working in an emergency communication center or PSAP using the current protocol system or
-One year of coursework from an accredited college or university focused on education, communication, management, business management, or another related field.

To view the Quality Assurance Analyst job description in its entirety and to apply visit:

https://elpasoteller911.bamboohr.com/careers/35?source=aWQ9MTg%3D

**This posting will close on 12.14.2023**

The Authority staff nominates their coworkers each quarter for going above and beyond. Based on nominations from the team, it is our pleasure to announce that the Employee of the Third Quarter is Mary Beth King- Human Resources Manager.

Here is a portion of her nomination:

"Mary Beth embodies an extraordinary spirit of goodwill, radiating positivity in every facet of her existence. Each day, she dedicates herself to brightening the lives of those around her, consistently striving to leave a positive mark. Her efforts extend far beyond the ordinary; she's the driving force behind staff luncheons, the creator of delightful surprise treats, and the celebrator of special moments and victories within the workplace, all while wearing an unceasing smile. Her passion for fostering an enhanced environment at El Paso Teller County 911, not just for the present team but for all future members, is unquestionably genuine. Within the realm of Human Resources, she is a virtuoso, deftly implementing cutting-edge HR information systems, innovating employee benefits, constructing career advancement pathways, and launching a transformative evaluation process – all in the remarkably brief span of her first year here. Even beyond the bounds of her official job description, Mary Beth demonstrates an unwavering commitment to aiding her colleagues. She lends a sympathetic ear to those in need and takes proactive steps to provide assistance, irrespective of whether it falls within her official duties. It is indisputably clear that Mary Beth stands as the unequivocal choice for the distinguished title of Employee of the Quarter, a testament to her exceptional dedication and contributions to our organization."

Congratulations, Mary Beth!

It is that time of the quarter when a telecommunicator in the El Paso-Teller County region is recognized for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to the public. This quarter's award recipient demonstrated phenomenal problem-solving skills and compassion during an uncommon emergency.

We are pleased to announce the Telecommunicator of the Third Quarter is Colorado Springs Police Department's, Tyler Combs.

Here is a portion of his nomination:

"On May 26,2023, Emergency Response Technician Tyler Combs answered a 911 call from an escalated caller reporting a patient was struck by lightning on the golf course. The patient was passed out, and unknown if he was breathing. The caller was not with the patient but was able to report on the status of the patient and the possibility of a second patient also struck by lightning. ERT Combs was staying on the line with the caller to provide further safety instructions and details of the location of the patient.

While on the line ERT Combs overheard the caller saying his friend was with the patient under a tree. ERT Combs asked for the friend’s phone number and called him to check on the patient’s condition. The patient was conscious and breathing, slumped over, moving his hands, and smelled of burnt hair. ERT Combs gave safety instructions to seek shelter but due to lightening still striking the ground, people were unable to move from their current location. ERT Combs gave reassurance during a very difficult situation. Details about the location for the responders were essential since the patient was on the 4th hole under a tree on the golf course. ERT Combs advised the responders the patient was moved off the ground by others to take cover for safety reasons from the golf course because lightening was hitting the ground in the area. The caller stated, “that was the most surreal experience he ever gone through” and felt he was having a panic attack due to what he witnessed. Tyler did a great job staying on the line with the caller and monitoring the patient’s condition while providing updates to the fire department. ERT Combs did an exceptional job during an extremely unusual situation by calling the friend making sure of the patient’s condition, updating the responders and the compassion he provided to the caller.

Please accept our nomination for ERT Combs for his outstanding job processing a call that had multiple safety concerns and his familiarity of the medical protocol 15 Electrical/Lighting that is not used often."

Congratulations on this award, Tyler. You certainly deserve it.

🚨 COS will be conducting a safety exercise at the airport today.

🚧 Rest assured, this exercise will not disrupt operations. In case you spot emergency vehicles or notice smoke, please don't be alarmed.

🛡️ Your safety is our top priority!

The Authority staff nominates their coworkers each quarter for going above and beyond. Based on nominations from the team, it is our pleasure to announce that the Employee of the Second Quarter is Jianna West - Communications and Media Advisor.

One nomination reads, "She is always super helpful in anything I need. She goes above and beyond even when she doesn't have to. She made strides with Pulsepoint, which demonstrates her commitment to the mission of the Authority.”
Further, Jianna is incredibly dedicated and proactive in her role. She consistently goes out of her way to provide assistance and support, exceeding expectations even when not required. Jianna’s involvement and progress with PulsePoint AED showcase her strong commitment to the mission and goals of the Authority. She has contributed significantly to the organization's success, and we are incredibly grateful we get to work with her.

Congratulations, Jianna!

Happy Independence Day! We are set up at Security Fire Department Station 1 street breakfast. Stop by and have some pancakes, check out the fire trucks, helicopters, and vendors. Thank you El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for stopping by the 9-1-1 Mobile Classroom and getting some sunglasses.

EPC Sheriff's Office

On June 28th, 2023 the El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority recognized another telecommunicator for their outstanding performance and their dedication to the community. Please join us in congratulating Kaila Sanders!

Kaila has been recognized as the 2023 Telecommunicator of the Second Quarter. Here is a portion of her nomination letter:

"Earlier this year TCSO Dispatcher Kaila Sanders was working a solo late-night shift when a 911 call came in for an urgent medical need in Teller County. Kaila handled every aspect of this call including dispatching Fire, Medical, and Law Enforcement units to get help to this person. She remained calm and focused throughout the call even while guiding the caller to perform CPR until responders arrived on scene. Additionally, Kaila dispatched a medical helicopter service while working to keep the caller reassured that help was on the way.

Kaila received unsolicited praise from responding Deputies citing her professionalism and effectiveness in getting key information to responders, helping get flight details to the airborne unit, and working with the caller to get the patient’s heart beating again.

Kaila is more than a team member in the Communications Division at the Teller County Sheriff's Office, she is someone who holds herself to a higher standard at all times. She leads by example. Since this incident, Kaila has become a Certified Training Officer who is now passing on her knowledge and skills to our newest Dispatchers. We are so proud of Kaila for this well-deserved recognition."

Way to go Kaila! You are a rockstar!

The El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority employees are on a mission to give back and are looking for volunteers!

Paul, a resident of Teller County has recently become unable to do the things he loves due to Parkinsons' Disease. After losing his wife, who was also his caretaker, he has been unable to keep up with home repairs. It became clear to us that it was our opportunity to give back to Paul and assist him with painting the outside of his home and making other minor repairs.

This two-day project will occur on July 7th and 8th, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you can volunteer, please scan the QR code or follow the link to sign up for a slot that works best for you. If you cannot attend but would still like to contribute to the project, the same link will direct you to a GoFundMe.

Once you sign up, you will receive an immediate confirmation via email. You will receive additional details about the project via email, including the location, closer to the event date.

To sign up or to donate visit:

https://linktr.ee/eptc911

MEETING REMINDER – The Living with Wildfire Town Hall meeting is TOMMOROW NIGHT, 6-14-23! You are invited to join the Colorado Springs Fire Department professionals for a conversation about wildfire mitigation and the fire risks specific to living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). These meetings will empower you to be ready if a fire happens. Topics being discussed are:
• How to do wildfire mitigation around your home
• How to participate in the Neighborhood Chipping Program
• How to prepare for a home fire or wildfire
• How to get notified of an emergency
• Knowing your evacuation zone
• How to create an emergency plan
• Knowing when and how to evacuate
This meeting will be for the following regions:
• Cedar Heights
• Garden of the Gods/Pleasant Valley
• Holland Park
• Kissing Camels
• Mesa
• Mesa Springs
• Mountain Shadows
• Peregrine
• Pinecliff

The meeting will be held:
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Colorado Springs Masonic Center
1150 Panorama Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

If you cannot make it in person, we will also be live streaming this meeting at https://www.facebook.com/csfdpio. If you miss the meeting, it will be posted on the www.coswildfireready.org/town-hall-series within 48 hours.

Additional meetings will be added for other areas of the WUI throughout the summer. All meetings will cover the same topics, and there will be plenty of time for questions. All attendees can get signed up for emergency notifications at the meeting. We hope you can join us. For the most updated wildfire preparedness information, visit: www.coswildfireready.org
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In December 2022, 13-year-old Isaac White made the right call. A day like any other quickly changed when Isaac discovered a fire in his kitchen. Not only did he make the call to 9-1-1, but he evacuated and cared for his two younger brothers and grandmother.

His actions were life-saving, so it is only fitting that Isaac was recognized as a 9-1-1 Hero. What Isaac thought was a tour of the Cimarron Hills Fire Department turned out to be a surprise ceremony celebrating him!

Isaac, we are very proud of you!

****This posting will close on 06-09-2023.****

El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority is currently recruiting for an innovative IT Professional to fill our Systems Technician position. The IT Systems Technician supports the development, installation, implementation, testing, evaluation, and administration of the El Paso – Teller County 9-1-1 Authority's networks and telecommunication systems.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATES:

-Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Colorado Driver's License is required.

EDUCATION:

-An Associate or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

-A two or four-year college degree in computer science, network engineering, computer information systems, or other related field is required.

-CompTIA, A +, Network+, and/or Security+ certifications preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

-One to two years of increasingly responsible computer/network support, with both hardware and software installation experience.

To view the Information Technology Systems Technician job description in its entirety and to apply, visit:

https://elpasoteller911.bamboohr.com/careers/28?source=aWQ9MjI%3D