To publicly honor the outstanding individual achievements and contributions of the men and women who are the backbone of Ohio’s 9-1-1 system.
The Ohio Gold Star Awards program honors exceptional emergency communication professionals and teams. Held alongside the Ohio NENA/APCO Joint State Conference, it includes an awards luncheon to celebrate these unsung heroes. The event recognizes their dedication and service, offering a gathering for professionals committed to public safety. It’s a time to share inspiring stories and highlight the vital role of telecommunicators in community well-being.
Eligibility & Award Criteria
Gold Star Awards
====== Nominations for 2024 Are Closed ======
One Nominee Per PSAP
Solid Gold Award
Presented to an individual Telecommunicator for their exemplary handling of a specific 9-1-1 emergency call which occurred during the nomination period.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD CRITERIA:
The nominee’s handling of a specific 9-1-1 or other emergency call, dispatch or situation should reflect his or her ability to: Listen and comprehend the caller’s request for help, take command of the conversation to obtain necessary information; make independent decisions related to proper emergency response; think and respond quickly and/or creatively as the emergency situation dictates; reassure a frightened, confused or upset caller; remain calm and maintain professional discipline in handling a 9-1-1 call or radio traffic; respond as special circumstances may dictate, including coordination of a multi-jurisdictional agency response or local resources other than public safety.
One Team Per PSAP
Double Gold Award
Presented to a team of Telecommunicators in recognition of their exemplary handling of a specific 9-1-1 emergency which involves coordination of multiple public safety responses.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2022.
AWARD CRITERIA:
The team must have demonstrated an extraordinary professional team performance during a critical incident. Teamwork must have been the key to the successful handling of the incident.
One Nomination Per PSAP
Gold Star Certificate
Presented to an individual Telecommunicator in recognition of their exceptional professionalism in the field of emergency communications.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD CRITERIA:
The nominee should demonstrate the following: Positive attitude towards all aspects of the job; willingness to be a team player, professionalism and pride in the quality of work; ability to earn and maintain respect and high esteem of co-workers; flexibility in task assignments and capabilities; job performance above and beyond the call of duty.
One Team Per PSAP
Gold Ribbon Award
Presented to a communication center that endured a prolonged interruption of "normal" operations while maintaining a near-normal standard of care for their community.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD CRITERIA:
Critical services were maintained during the event; citizens were provided a near-normal level of service during the event; the communications center personnel mitigated the community effect of the disaster.
One Nomination Per PSAP
Supervisor/Manager of the Year
The supervisor/manager of the year award recognizes the individual directly responsible for the daily shift operations of the communications center.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD CRITERIA:
The nominee must demonstrate the highest level of commitment to the employees on their shift. Exhibit integrity, fairness, and strong leadership skills. Coach and encourage the strengths and skills to assist in achieving each employee’s personal best. Enhance the operation and moral of the center. Maintain a positive rapport with all aspects of the Public Safety Community. Demonstrates adaptability while maintaining control in critical incidents. Lead by example and demonstrated the ability to operate as a team leader.
One Nominee per PSAP
Trainer of the Year
The trainer of the year award recognizes an individual whose contributions are instrumental in the excellence and success of a training program within the Public Safety Communications agency.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD CRITERIA:
The nominee must have a thorough knowledge of standard operating procedures. They must exercise patience and demonstrate a commitment to quality customer service. They should consistently plan and prepare training assignments. Mentor employees through leadership and enthusiasm with a commitment to their success. They should demonstrate realistic expectations and respond appropriately to the specific needs of each employee. They set a positive and forward-thinking tone as well as the use of new creative approaches to the ever-changing dynamics of the profession.
One Nominee for IT and one nominee for RF per PSAP
Information/Radio Frequency Technologist of the Year
The Information Technologist and/or RF Technologist of the year recognizes and individual who has demonstrated extraordinary technical knowledge and expertise in their support of public safety communications.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD CRITERIA:
The nominee must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of computer and information technology systems. Provide technical support related to the effective operations of a communications center. Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new computing technologies. Perform routine to complex level application support work on the agency’s computer application systems.
One Nominee per PSAP
Communications Center Technology Leadership Award
This award recognizes innovative use of technology in communications centers, focusing on advancements that benefit employees and customers.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD EXAMPLES:
Project examples (not limited to): Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Radio 9-1-1, Public Safety Information Technology, Broadband, Electronic Crime Reporting, Mapping, and GIS Technology
One Nominee per PSAP
Communications Center Director of the Year
The Communication Center Director of the Year Award recognizes the individual responsible for the overall operations of the communications center.
ELIGIBILITY TIME FRAME:
The event must have occurred during the calendar year 2023.
AWARD CRITERIA:
The nominee must demonstrate the highest level of commitment to the center’s staff and their professional career. They exemplify leadership, integrity, and vision. Maintain excellent relationships will all aspects of the Public Safety Community.
