County to Honour Emergency Communication Heroes at Tri-Service Public Safety Awards Ceremony

To be held October 10, 2025, at the County of Simcoe Administration Centre

Midhurst/October 7, 2025 – On October 10 the Simcoe County Tri-Service Public Safety Communications Awards Ceremony will shine a spotlight on the exceptional dedication and service of call-takers, dispatchers, supervisors and a young 9-1-1 caller from 2024.

These unsung heroes are the critical first responders behind the scenes, offering an essential lifeline to those in distress and ensuring smooth communication between emergency personnel in the field. Their expertise and commitment help save lives, making them a crucial part of our community’s safety and emergency response systems.

“These incredible professionals are the silent heroes who ensure that help is always just a call away, making them the backbone of our emergency response system”, said Warden Basil Clarke. “We are proud to recognize their exceptional contributions at this ceremony, and we are grateful for the work they do to keep our communities safe.”

The event, initially slated for April 2025 to coincide with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, was rescheduled due to an unprecedented ice storm that swept through our region.

Award Recipient Stories
Krystle Dillon, a Communications Operator from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Communication Centre in Orillia, is the recipient of the 2024 Simcoe County Public Safety Communicator-of-the-Year Award. Krystle’s exemplary performance as a call taker during a challenging three-hour crisis underscores her professionalism, empathy, and teamwork. By skillfully engaging the caller, she supported with critical law enforcement response and community safety, while embodying core values like honour and integrity. Her outstanding dedication, leadership, and positive impact on the team truly personify the qualities of an exceptional communicator.

The 2024 Simcoe County Public Safety Communications Team Award will be presented to Georgian Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) communicators Meghan Oliver, Shawn Richison, Courtney Hiscock, Mystyslaw Litwin, Stephanie Dranitsaris and Christopher Smith for their actions in responding to a four-vehicle collision that resulted in seven patients with varying injuries. The seamless collaboration between emergency services and Georgian CACC ensured timely care and efficient triage. On-scene updates, detailed communication, and resource prioritization highlighted the professionalism and dedication of all responders, while also showcasing exemplary teamwork while managing a complex incident.

Silas King from the Town of Wasaga Beach will be recognized as the 2024 Youth Award. In February 2024, then 6-year-old Silas displayed remarkable bravery and composure during a family member’s medical emergency. He used a phone to call 9-1-1, provided detailed information to dispatch, unlocked the doors, and guided emergency responders in. His quick thinking and courage were vital in ensuring timely assistance.

County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.