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Every second in public safety starts with a voice. Before the sirens, before the lights and before a single door is breached, there is a connection. It is the calming voice amidst the chaos. That voice is the link between a crisis and the assurance that help is on the way.
Telecommunications are the essential and life-saving link for everyone who calls 9-1-1.
Each year, public safety recognizes their courage, heroism and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Motorola Solutions and NENA are proud to bring you the 9-1-1 Hero Spotlight – authentic voices of the Thin Gold Line in 2026, as we did in 2025.
The 2026 Hero Spotlight: Live updates
The response to this year’s program has been incredible. We are honored to share the voices of the 2026 9-1-1 Hero Spotlight participants. These stories, captured in partnership with NENA, reflect the dedication and resilience of telecommunicators across the country today.
We will be actively updating this gallery throughout NPSTW (April 12–18) as new submissions arrive. Bookmark this page and return daily to find inspiration from the Thin Gold Line.
2026 Hero Spotlight
Monday, April 13: Roxanne Van Gundy, Director of Emergency Communications for Lyon County, KS | "You aren’t alone"
Tuesday, April 14: Jay Cheshire, 911 Director for Noble County Communications, IN | "What you do matters"
Wednesday, April 15: Janessa Thornton, 911 Supervisor for St. George, UT Communications | "I get to be the calm in someone's chaos"
Friday, April 17: Casey Rives, 911 Telecommunicator in Fairfax County, VA | "Knowing you saved a life, that's an amazing feeling."
Saturday, April 18: Emily Goldberg, Dispatcher II for the El Cajon Police Department, CA | | "I love serving the community"
2025 Spotlight Heroes
Take a look back at our 2025 stories. See the eight individuals who shared their stories. They represent the resilience and empathy that are part of the Thin Gold Line’s DNA. Each video offers a unique look at the pulse of public safety.
Bianca Jones, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), KY | The Heartbeat and Lifeline of the Community
Catina Schanck, Office of Unified Communications (OUC), Washington, D.C. | A Guidance from the Depths of the Soul
Malia O’Rourke, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, FL | A Positive Voice on the Worst Day
Paula Clarke, Raleigh Wake 9-1-1, NC | Saving a Life and Meeting the Survivor
Roxy Van Gundy, Lyon County Emergency Communication Center, KS | The Honor of Getting to Serve
Sarah Frederick, Citrus Heights Police Department, CA | Serving My Neighbors with the Best Every Day
Steve Cody, Pitt County Emergency Management 9-1-1 | A Career of Daily Positive Impact
David Gibson, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, FL | A Beacon of Light in the Darkest Hours
To every telecommunicator and to those who support you, thank you for being the pulse that keeps our communities safe.
Your service is seen. Your impact is felt. We have your back, just as you have always had o