Collier County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunications Technician Richard Swink, FSA President Sheriff Jerry Demings, Greg Coleman, national marketing coordinator with award sponsor Harris Communications, and Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

The Florida Sheriffs Association is pleased to announce that Senior Dispatcher Richard Swink of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the 2017 Dispatcher of the Year. The award, presented each year at the FSA Winter Conference, is given to one commendable communications officer who has demonstrated exemplary service, professionalism, and commitment in the line of duty.

Officer Swink has exemplified these qualities in the workplace since he was hired by the agency to work for the jail in 2008, and by 2009, he moved over to Communications. Throughout the years, one of his skills that constantly stands out is his ability to handle stressful calls with ease.

On August 8, 2016, Officer Swink talked first responders through a bomb threat at a major hotel on Marco Island. Quickly dispatching the call, he calmly controlled radio traffic as he provided updates to firefighters. Weeks later, on August, 25, 2016, he helped save the life of a 35-year-old Collier County resident by carefully guiding a 911 caller through CPR instruction until first responders arrived to the scene. The Communications Manager listening to the call noted that Swink guided the caller with compassion and empathy, encouraging them not to give up.

About a month later, Swink helped save the life of yet another Collier County resident, this time a 33-year-old male, after his coworker called and reported he was unconscious and not breathing after being struck by lightning. Again, Officer Swink guided the caller through CPR for several minutes while first responders traveled to the scene. Thanks to his guidance, the patient’s pulse had returned by the time the ambulance reached the hospital.

When he’s not handling emergency calls himself, Swink is busy training new dispatchers.  A unique training style, he has demonstrated what it is to be a great role model, and leader, for his fellow dispatchers.

“Richard is a terrific asset to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office,” said Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk. “He has proven his dedication to the job and his efforts are invaluable to our community at large. He is most deserving of this award for his job in keeping Collier County a great place and a safe place.”

For his dedicated service, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Harris Foundation have named Dispatcher Richard Swink the 2017 Dispatcher of the Year. During their annual winter conference banquet, Swink was given a standing ovation from the 500-plus law enforcement attendees and their supporters.

Harris Corporation is one of the state’s largest technology innovators, with 6,500 employees operating in 19 Florida locations. The company provides solutions to public safety customers nationwide, including the Florida Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System, P25 and Land Mobile Radio systems for 20 Florida counties, the MyFloridaNet-2 network, the Miami-Dade County public safety communications system, and Florida Power and Light’s critical communications network.  

Watch Officer Swink’s spotlight video here: [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4gNyrTwA7Q&feature=youtu.be]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4gNyrTwA7Q&feature=youtu.be[/url]

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About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law-enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services.  Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].

About Harris:
Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving our customers’ toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Learn more at harris.com.