The Florida Sheriffs Association is pleased to announce that 911 Dispatcher Victoria King of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the 2025 Dispatcher of the Year. Each year, this award is presented at the FSA Winter Conference to a telecommunicator who has demonstrated exceptional service in the line of duty. The award is sponsored by L3Harris Technologies. 

911 Dispatcher Victoria King began her career with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in October 2021. Victoria’s commitment to her role extends far beyond answering calls. She frequently works overtime (always stepping up to help her team) and plays an active role in training new employees to ensure the next generation of dispatchers is well-prepared for the demands of the job.

On the evening of August 2, 2024, Victoria encountered an event that no dispatcher wants to encounter. A 911 call was received reporting a female who had trespassed and assaulted several individuals. Units responded to the home, where multiple deputies entered the house and were ambushed. One unit advised over the radio that shots had been fired and that he had been hit. A co-worker of Victoria’s was managing the event channel but became overwhelmed with the heavy radio traffic and had difficulty coordinating resources. Without hesitation, Victoria volunteered to take over the channel.

As the situation unfolded, it became evident that Master Deputy Bradley Link was inside the residence and not responding. When a rescue team attempted to enter the home to extract Deputy Link, additional shots were fired, and another deputy sustained multiple injuries. To complicate matters further, Deputy Link’s radio was compromised by one of the assailants inside the house, forcing Victoria and first responders across the county to endure horrific, satanic radio transmissions claiming that Deputy Link was deceased and that no one was coming for him.

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Victoria managed the communication channel with professionalism, composure and efficiency. Amid heavy radio traffic and multiple units requesting immediate assistance, she coordinated resources and relayed critical information, ensuring the responding officers received the necessary support. Her ability to remain calm and focused under pressure was instrumental in managing the response during this chaotic incident.

Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of Master Deputy Bradley Link and left two other deputies severely injured and unable to return to duty. Victoria’s performance during this event exemplifies the highest standards of public service and dedication. She managed a situation of extraordinary complexity and emotional intensity with remarkable skill and resilience.

“We are proud to nominate 911 Dispatcher Victoria King for the 2025 Florida Sheriffs Association Dispatcher of the Year for her dedication, commitment to safety and courage,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Victoria is a top-performing dispatcher, respected for her professionalism and calmness under pressure, highlighting the critical role of 911 dispatchers.”
 
The Florida Sheriffs Association Dispatcher of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by L3Harris Technologies.

View the official award video here: https://youtu.be/5B4BJljlPrY.

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About Florida Sheriffs Association
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly 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 has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It 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 www.flsheriffs.org.

About L3Harris Technologies:
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our 50,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.