911 Dispatcher 11-75 Retires 11/06/07

After several years of serving the residents and visitors of Columbia County as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher, Ron Vincent (known to many as "11-75") hangs up his headset today for the last time. Today will be Ron's last day with the 911 Department, retiring after over a decade of service. Ron, known to some in the Department as "Mr. Atlas" or "Mr. Jimapco" (because of his vast knowledge of local - and not so local - geography), began his career with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office as a Communications Deputy and was soon promoted to Communications Sergeant. Ron eventually left that post for other employment, but his passion for serving the public would eventually get the best of him and he returned to his job as a dispatcher - this time with the "new" Columbia County 911 Department.

Ron started with the 911 Department working night shift as an Emergency Dispatcher. He became famous in the office for his sense of humor and uncanny ability to remain composed, even when faced with the most difficult of situations. He was an ambassador for the Department, working with the public at Community Days and other local events. He enjoyed representing the Department at fire and EMS banquets, which gave him an opportunity to do what he does best... communicate with people.

In 2004, Ron was promoted to Emergency Dispatcher I (supervisory level) and would take over the 911 Addressing Project. This new assignment would allow him to serve citizens in a whole new way. Something he did right up until his retirement.

During his career as a 911 dispatcher, Ron received many accolades from citizens and public safety agencies alike. From comforting people who just lost a loved one to giving a father-to-be emergency childbirth instruction, Ron did it all - and did it well. Over the years, Ron has developed quite a "fan club". His good nature and way with people made him popular among his co-workers, not to mention the fire, police and EMS personnel he worked with everyday.

In an email announcing Ron's retirement, 911 Director Rob Lopez wrote the following, "Ron, we will surely miss your calm, assertive voice on the radio and your wealth of knowledge with the roadways of the county". I'm sure many of the first responders in Columbia County echo these sentiments. Those of us who had the pleasure of working with Ron certainly do.

Happy retirement "RV", you will be missed!

Note: If you would like to wish Ron well, email him at rv1175@yahoo.com. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you.