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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.
To kick off this year’s program and be reminded of the strength and dedication of telecommunicators, let’s first 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.
2025 Spotlight Heroes
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
Share your story
As we approach NPSTW, we invite you to add your voice to the spotlight. This is an opportunity to share the pride of the profession and offer encouragement to your colleagues across the country. Please consider sharing your perspective on:
- What is important to you about the work you do?
- Tell us briefly about a call you handled that made you proud and why.
- What’s your “pep talk” to other 9-1-1 professionals during this TC Week?
Interested? Click the link below to record a one-minute video through the NENA portal.
Experience the NENA 9-1-1 Hero Spotlight program!
Check back during NPSTW:
We will be actively updating this gallery throughout NPSTW, April 12–18, with the latest 2026 videos. Bookmark this page so you can easily return to it April 12 – 18 and your colleagues’ stories, find inspiration, and support your community.
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 ours.
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