NC Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
Second Vice President Candidates
Morrissa Ahl-Walters
For those of you who don’t know me, I am Morrissa Ahl-Walters, a telecommunicator for NCSHP – Troop C Communications in Raleigh, and I currently serve as the Region B Ambassador. I have been nominated for the Second Vice President of NC APCO. I appreciate your time while giving you a brief snippet of who I am. I come from a long line of Public Safety Professionals. I assumed I’d follow those paths, but instead, I fell into Communications on accident in 2003. I was volunteering as an EMT-Basic/Team Leader with a local squad when they held an EMD class in our building. I attended, later applying for the open dispatcher position in the same city, and within a short period of time, I was hired as a 911 Dispatcher. I fell in love instantly. I learned what “trusting my gut” truly meant, had a few scares, but overall felt like I had found my professional calling.
After spending a few years there, I felt the need to stay home with my toddler and newborn, but as soon as the youngest went to kindergarten, I was itching to get behind the console again. I started with NCSHP – Troop B Communications in 2010, transferring to Troop C Communications a year later. Home called again, and I had to step back for a short period of time, but by 2015, I was back, for good this time. I decided to work on making myself a better telecommunicator. I completed my associate degree, and started my Bachelor’s program. I was (gently) pushed to complete General Instructor School, then to work on content development for conference classes. I was (and still am, sometimes) nervous to teach, but I found I loved it. I have been blessed to be an Adjunct Instructor for a few community colleges, teaching the State’s Telecommunicator Certification Course. From there, I moved on to conferences in other states, and met some truly wonderful professionals that to this day I look to as mentors. Being “young” in this profession, we have a lot to learn from the ones that are nearing the 20 & 30 year marks of their careers.
My biggest personal breakthrough was attending CISM training. It was training to become a member of the Highway Patrol’s Member Assistance Team, but what it did for me was help me finally overcome the feelings associated with a Line of Duty Death I had worked 5 years prior. That made me realize that there just aren’t enough people saying “It’s okay not to be okay” or providing discreet, accessible resources for all first responders, dispatchers included. Being a member of APCO allowed for another member to reach out on behalf of his coworker, who had gone through something similar, and I remember sitting with the coworker, just listening, and understanding how it was to be in her shoes.
APCO is vital to the viability of our careers – advocating for us, providing educational resources, additional training, and the opportunities for dispatchers from all over the chance to connect with each other. As the 2nd Vice President, I would continue to advocate for mental health and support the mission and objectives of North Carolina APCO. I respectfully ask for your vote, it would be a true honor to be able to further serve the organization and all our 9-1-1 professionals.
Josh Benfield
Hello, my name is Josh Benfield, and I am running for 2nd Vice President for the North Carolina Chapter of APCO. I have decided to run because of my passion for 9-1-1 and the desire to see our chosen profession grow and change for a brighter future.
I was raised in Caswell County and am a 1998 graduate of Bartlett Yancey High School. It was there that I met my wife Lindsay who I married in July of 2002. Lindsay is a Registered Nurse at Wesley Long Hospital, and we have two boys, Parker, 16, and Brody, 11. We have made our home in Pelham which is just south of the Virginia border.
In 1998, at the age of 18, I joined the Cherry Grove Volunteer Fire Department in the southern part of Caswell County where I grew up. It was there that I fell in love with the fire service and found my love of service above self. In late 2000, I was certified as an EMT-Basic and continued to volunteer in my community. I later obtained my Virginia EMT-Basic and worked for Regional One EMS in Danville, Virginia. While working in Danville, during late night shifts, we would visit the 9-1-1 center. It was then that I fell in love with 9-1-1. When Lindsay and I married, we moved to Pelham, and I joined Pelham Fire Department. In 2004 I accepted a position at Caswell County 9-1-1. At that time, Caswell was still using punch cards, until they purchased the first CAD system and had just upgraded its phone system. 2007 brought new opportunities and room for growth. I accepted a position at Rockingham County 9-1-1. During my time there, I grew as a telecommunicator and the seed to see 9-1-1 advance grew from the enthusiasm and encouragement of my director. I served as Telecommunicator and Assistant-Lead Telecommunicator during my time in Rockingham County. In 2015 I had the opportunity to work for Park Springs Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Caswell County, where I served as office manager while volunteering for Pelham and Providence Fire Departments. In late 2016 I became Chief of Pelham Fire Department and still serve as Chief today. 2017 brought the opportunity to come home to 9-1-1 in Caswell County. I began my career again as a Telecommunicator until 2019 when I became the Data-base Coordinator for my agency. In the past year, I have led the way during our center remodel and implementation of EMD and EFD and completed EMD-Q as well as EFD-Q certifications. In 2020 successfully completed the PSAP Manager’s Training Program.
Along the way I have met, both in person and virtually, people who have taught me a lot and that I have come to admire. I have often been told that because I work in a small center that we will never be able to compete with centers around us that are making strides to meet the future head on. I believe that all centers, big or small, have the capacity to make waves and set their course to see 9-1-1 continue to grow and meet any challenge head on. I believe that making sure that our Telecommunicators across this great state get the recognition they deserve, and I will work as hard as I can to work to see that reclassification become a reality. Above reclassification, I believe that we need to have the resources readily available to meet the needs of those suffering from effects of mental stress and PTSD. I have taken several calls during my time in 9-1-1 that I have tried to handle the aftereffects of high stress and complexity on my own due to lack of availability of assistance. I know all to well that self-care and mental wellbeing are very important and that no matter how “good” you think you are, having someone that you can talk to can go a long way and it helps knowing that you are not alone.
I am not sure of what the future may hold for our great state, but I can assure you that I will work with my fellow NC APCO Board Members to meet any challenge head on. I will also work with the Board to make sure that North Carolina continues to be a game changer and lead the charge to be the difference that we need in our industry.
Thank you in advance, and I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve as your next 2nd Vice President of NC APCO.
Samantha Dutch
Hi! I‘m Samantha Dutch, candidate for North Carolina APCO 2nd Vice President and I would love to earn your vote!
My emergency communications career began in May 2008 as a Telecommunicator with Robeson County E-911 & Communications. During my time there I became involved in training and leadership.
In April 2015, after completing my B.S. Criminal Justice Administration, I started as Assistant Director with Scotland County Emergency Communications. With the support of my Director, I was able to develop a standardized training program, implement policy changes, streamline our dispatch processes, and much more. I was promoted to DIrector and also completed the RPL program in July 2021, and am currently enrolled in the CPE program.
Over the last several years I have served on various committees with APCO International, and was most recently appointed as North Carolina APCO Regional Ambassador for Region E.
I believe that with my organization skills, knowledge of training and record keeping, and the healthy relationships I have built with other public safety personnel I would be an asset to the North Carolina APCO Executive Board and North Carolina APCO as a whole. If you would like to learn more about me and why I would make a good fit, I encourage you to reach out.
Shante Griffin
Greetings,
I began my career in Public Safety in 2009 with Guilford Metro 9-1-1 in Greensboro, NC. It was there that I learned the true meaning of integrity, selflessness, dedication and humble servitude, which I believe are the important qualities of a great leader. I built upon these qualities and transitioned into a leadership role at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Police Department in 2017. It was here that I found my true calling of service and flawless customer service by proudly serving as the Communications Manager with the University Police Department for the past 5 years. During these years, I was a recipient of the Supervisor of the Year (2018) and Employee of the Year (2021). Additionally, I also serve on the University Staff Senate, in which I share the concerns and opinions of University Police Officers and Staff.
My journey continues and it is my honor to receive a nomination as 2nd Vice President with North Carolina APCO. To be considered for this position by peers within this great organization is incredibly humbling. I believe that my experience serving on a variety of committees has given me an exceptionally broad understanding of the wants and needs of our APCO membership, which thrives on its foundation of advocacy. I know that I can add to the great work our leadership has already contributed to the future and preeminence of this prestigious organization, though it’s important to note that history is still unfolding and there is still work to be done.
While serving in the role as NC APCO Regional Ambassador for the past year and Conference Secretary for the past few months, I became more involved and obtained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the values of our organization and all it does for not only its members, but for the APCO community at large. I am excited to expand my participation and knowledge by serving as your next 2nd Vice President. It will be my distinct honor and privilege to continue to serve this community of professionals.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CANDIDATES
JERYL ANDERSON
Jeryl has been an APCO member for over twenty years and has been active for the majority of this time with the North Carolina Chapter. Jeryl has served many roles within the North Carolina Chapter, she has served two (2) times as the Chapter President, has served on the conference committee, facilitates the annual Telecommunicator Symposium and currently serving on the NC Chapter of APCO’s Board as their Educational Advisory Member.
Jeryl is committed to serving the NC Chapter of APCO and now wishes to do so in a role, which she has not yet had the honor of serving in. Jeryl desires to become the Chapter’s next Executive Council Representative so that she may serve the Chapter as a direct conduit for the exchange of information to and from the Regional Representative on the Board of Directors, the Chapters and their members. Jeryl believes that in this role, she will not only learn more about serving the organization she is so passionately dedicated to, but it would also enable her to represent her Chapter, as it continues to grow, as well as, setting the tone for innovative approaches to serving its membership.
Jeryl Anderson has worked in public safety emergency communications for over thirty years. She is currently employed at Orange County Emergency Services, as the Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator. Jeryl recently accepted a position with Durham Technical Community College as their Coordinator for 9-1-1 Training. In this new position, she will be responsible for creating a telecommunicator training program aimed at helping surrounding agencies adequately staff their communication centers.
Jeryl has been a certified instructor since the 1990’s and has vast experience in class room presentation to include, but not limited to, curriculum and testing development and on-line course development and implementation. Jeryl is proud to have been at the beginning of the Telecommunicator Certification Course for North Carolina Telecommunicators, during her time as a Criminal Justice Instructor Coordinator with the NC Justice Academy, where for eleven years, she taught, edited, and implemented the curriculum across the state of North Carolina.
Jeryl is an experienced on line instructor, conference speaker and event coordinator. Jeryl is an RPL (Registered Professional Leader) and CPE (Certified Public Safety Executive) through National APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Official’s) and an ENP (Emergency Number Professional) through National NENA (National Emergency Number Association). Jeryl serves the APCO Institute as one of their Adjunct Instructors.
On a more personal note, Jeryl enjoys spending time with her spouse, Kevin Anderson. She is an active member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jeryl is also a dedicated Girl Scout volunteer and serves as a Troop leader and as the Durham Central Service Unit 215, Area 11 Manager for NC Coastal Pines Girl Scout Council.
Brigett Cerce
Brigett Cerce is a Communications Specialist for Moore County Public Safety. She has been in the 911 field since 1998 and has been involved at all levels from frontline telecommunicator to middle level leadership to program management. She is active at the national level on committees for both APCO and NENA, holds numerous industry-related certifications including CPE, CCS, CTO, EPD-EMD-EFD-EDQ and is state certified as a PSAP Manager. As a member of the NC Peer Support Team and Board Member of All First Responders Matter Foundation, she prioritizes the mental health of first responders of all disciplines. She is a strong advocate for the wellbeing of 911 professionals and encourages resiliency and lifelong learning. Brigett has three children, including a son in the USMC. She lives in Pinehurst, with her husband, children and dogs. In her down time, she enjoys cooking and travelling.
Frank Thomason
My name is Frank Thomason and I have submitted my candidacy for Executive Council Representative of the North Carolina Chapter.
I have been a member of our state Chapter since 1986. My public safety career spans 47 years with 32 of those dedicated to local government public safety and communications with Rowan County. During that time, I was honored to serve as the Chapter’s Executive Council Representative from 1999 – 2017. Additionally in 2018 – 2021, I was humbled to be able to serve on the APCO International Board of Directors as one of two Representatives for the East Coast Region. Although retired from Rowan County, I continue to serve public safety in a part-time capacity as a Communications and Technology Consultant with Mission Critical Partners.
I feel my tenure and past experience in these capacities will allow me to help serve not only our Chapter, but each of our members to further enhance public safety communications in North Carolina.
I would sincerely appreciate your consideration and vote.
Regional Ambassador - Region A
Anna Johnson
My name is Anna Johnson. I am currently the Communications Director at Washington County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications. I have been in this position for a little over a year now and I have about five years total dispatch experience.
I have a Bachelors in Science – Criminal Justice and will be starting Grad School for my Masters in Public Administration in the Fall 2022!
I am excited and eager to take on this new opportunity as the Regional A Ambassador and I hope to learn many new things that I can bring back to my team and my center to make us better than we were yesterday!
I hope to make myself and everyone else proud in this new role!
Regional Ambassador - Region c
Chad Deese
My name is Chad Deese and I am running for Regional Ambassador for Region C. I would like to take a quick moment to introduce myself to you. I have worked for Robeson County 911 over 22 years, and never regretted one moment. I remember my high school teacher telling our class, find you a job you love, and you will never work a day.
I started my career in 911 shortly after graduating high school on a part time basis. After several months, I was given the opportunity to become a full time telecommunicator. Over the next ten years, I would climb the ladder from telecommunicator, shift supervisor, IT administrator, then to become 911 Director.
If reelected, I promise to consider each of your interests and your voices on the many issues we face every day. I would work to ensure that we continue to support and embrace every 911 professional across the state. I would advocate for increasing awareness and impact of our organization through digital platforms. I would also advocate for more development of clear policies and programs that cultivate greater diversity in our membership and leadership and ensure that there is room in our organization for individuals with many backgrounds and perspectives to grow.
Finally, I would work to expand efforts that would bring our rich collective work on policy, education, & training of our organization to the forefront of everything we do. My record exemplifies passionate, self-driven advocacy on behalf of all 911. I care about your interests and your voice. I care about making sure opportunities are as equally distributed as possible for every one of you. Share your ideas, and I will do everything I can to make them happen.
Thank you for considering me to be your next Regional Ambassador Region C. I would greatly appreciate your vote.