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Mr. Richard Parsons is able to make a
complex and unpredictable situation more bearable. For his
attentiveness to duty, professionalism and unwavering resolve he was the
first dispatcher to twice be named the Communications Bureau Employee of
the Month consecutively. Further, he was recognized as the Tampa Police
Department Employee of the Month in August 2007.
Officer Mark McCann, describes Richard’s
performance as follows. “Dispatcher Richard Parsons observed a
second pickup truck (80's-model white / red Chevy) on the downlink picture,
realized it matched the description of a second vehicle being relayed to
him by the call-taker, and directed additional units to intercept it.
We just flew circles and pointed the camera, don't think we made a
single radio call from the time we arrived over the service station.
I've found this to be pretty typical of Richard. He always seems to be a
step ahead, makes our job easier.”
Richard is keenly aware of the activity
of officers on the street, whether it they be patrol or undercover
assignments. He is able to anticipate the needs of the officers based
on their location, type of call or even the tone of their voice. On
Friday, May 11, 2007, officers went out on an attempt to pick up a
wanted subject at 711 N. Castle Court. Suddenly, Richard heard the
transmission that all dispatchers dread when one officer came on saying
he had been shot. Within minutes, the Tactical Response Team was
requested because the suspect had barricaded himself with children
inside the home. Richard not only coordinated the effort on the
frequency, but he also worked in unison with his co-workers. Lieutenant
J. Terrell acknowledged Richard’s performance as follows; "Those of
you on the other end of our radios always seem to make a difficult
situation more bearable. Somehow, you always make sense of the excited
chatter, units speaking over each other, and the common confusion that
results."
Richard does not limit his dedication
and knowledge to just the Police Department. He also looks for ways to
improve communication with the community. For two years he has been an
active participant in the “Great American Teach In”. Richard travels to
local schools, instructing the children on the role of 911 and Police
Communications.
Richard often projects the calm voice of
control during peak radio activity. He is skilled at using tone and
inflection to provide reassurance to officers as well as the public.
His willingness to go above and beyond, and reach out to the community,
is exemplary. For the skill and dedication Mr. Richard Parsons
demonstrates in the performance of his duties, he is recognized as the
2007 Communications Bureau Employee of the year.
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