Please join us downtown in front of the Liberty Theater as we once again are handing out Halloween Bags. Astoria 9-1-1 started this tradition several years ago with 50 bags. Today it has grown to 750 and includes the assistance of many of our Public Safety Partners.
We will begin the great 2017 Halloween Bag handout at 3:00.
See you there!
2017 HALLOWEEN BAG
The Oregon chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), held their annual training and awards conference the week of October the 9th, in Bend Oregon. This annual training and awards conference is the one time during the year where Chapter Members can recognize some truly outstanding contributions made by Oregon 9-1-1 Dispatchers.
This year Astoria 9-1-1 had two Dispatchers recognized. Dispatcher Candace Pozdolski received the Telecommunicator of the Year Award and an Impact award. The Telecommunicator of the Year Award recognizes a Dispatcher who demonstrates the highest level of commitment to the profession through dedication to continuous improvement, initiative in professional development, care of customers and investment in the team. For her contributions in bringing Text to 9-1-1 to Astoria Candace received an Impact Award. This award recognizes any person employed in emergency telecommunications field that, by act or deed, makes an extremely noteworthy contribution, thus positively impacting the local 9-1-1 jurisdiction in a significant way.
Dispatcher Jennifer Peden received two Critical Incident Awards which recognize an individual’s noteworthy contribution which results in the successful handling of a major incident or combination of incidents beyond the average or normal activity level.
I was honored to see these two recognized by their peers, for the great work they do all year long. Astoria 9-1-1 has an incredibly dedicated group of Dispatchers and seeing them receive these awards makes me proud to be part of this elite group, said Astoria 9-1-1 Manager Jeff Rusiecki.
Dispatcher Jennifer Peden
Astoria 911 Manager Jeff Rusiecki
Dispatch Supervisor Candace Pozdolski
On 10-6-2017 at about 7:12am Astoria Police, Astoria Fire Department and Medix Ambulance Service responded to an assault in the 1400 Block of Irving Avenue. On arrival responders found the victim, 57 year old Anthony Stoinich, with stab wounds to his upper body. He was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Anthony Stoinich’s attacker was identified as his daughter, 25 year old Alasa Stoinich of Astoria. Alasa Stoinich was located and detained in the area of 16th and Franklin Avenue as officers responded to the scene. She was subsequently taken into custody for charges of Assault II and Attempted Assault II and lodged at the Clatsop County Jail. Anthony Stoinich was treated and released from Columbia Memorial Hospital for his injuries. Detectives from the Oregon State Police and Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
The week of September 18th, a panel of experienced 9-1-1 Supervisors and Managers from various Oregon 9-1-1 Centers came together at Astoria 9-1-1 to review applications and conduct interviews for the position of Operations Supervisor. The Panel made their recommendation to Astoria 9-1-1 Manager Jeff Rusiecki and Police Chief Geoff Spalding.
Several internal command meetings were held to discuss the Panel’s recommendations, and a Command Interview was held with the finalist. Upon the conclusion of that interview the position was offered to, and accepted by Candace Pozdolski, a Lead Astoria Dispatcher.
Candace brings the right experience, perspective and insight to this position which will be of great value.
Candace has been with Astoria 9-1-1 for nearly three years and was one of the first to assume the Lead Dispatcher position. In addition to her time with this Agency she has previous dispatch experience with the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office, the Atascadero Police Department, Morro Bay Police and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Her diverse background, coupled with her self-determination, were two attributes not lost on the Panel members. Candace has a great perspective on what current challenges the Center is facing and well-reasoned ideas and thoughts on how to improve and meet the increasing demands of the Center.
Candace was recently involved with the implementation of Text to 9-1-1 for our region and was part of the subcommittee tasked with creating a model policy for the use of this technology. Candace also serves on the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Telecommunications Policy Committee. This committee provides guidance on policies and training as well as reviewing disciplinary reports.
Because we had internal candidates applying for this position we wanted to rely on the experience and recommendations from other 9-1-1 Center Supervisors and Managers, said Rusiecki.
This is truly a specialized occupation, and if we are not training our future Supervisors, Managers and Directors today we will be facing a shortfall tomorrow.
The Operations Supervisor will assist in the planning, training and supervision of the daily operations of the Center which serves many public safety agencies. They will also assist in the development of specifications and policies and work closely with vendors on equipment and technology purchases and maintenance.