BROWARD COUNTY, FL-  In recognition of April as National 911 Education Month, three exceptional emergency dispatchers-Jennifer Mangano, Emilie Atchison, and Trinesia Smith-will be awarded the prestigious 2025 Tom Gallagher Award for their outstanding contributions to public safety. The awards ceremony takes place at the Broward Commission meeting on April 1st at the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room 422 in Fort Lauderdale beginning at 10AM.  

Jennifer Mangano, a 30-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff's Office, demonstrated remarkable composure during a January 2025 officer-involved shooting, ensuring officer safety and effective coordination. Her decades of service have earned consistent praise from colleagues and the community.

Emilie Atchison from the Coral Springs Emergency Communications Center showcased expertise in a high-stakes stabbing incident, coordinating multi-agency efforts and life-saving air transport. Beyond emergencies, she fosters workplace morale and mentors young women through the "Ignite the Flame" program.

Trinesia Smith, a 17-year dispatcher in the City of Plantation, excels in crisis management and peer support. Her ability to consistently demonstrate the remarkable skill of managing complex situations with efficiency, compassion, and composure has made her an invaluable Public Safety Telecommunicator.  As a certified Peer-to-Peer counselor, she aids first responders navigating job-related stress, embodying dedication and compassion.

The Tom Gallagher Award celebrates dispatchers who exemplify excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to saving lives. These honorees highlight the critical role of telecommunicators during National 911 Education Month, which promotes public awareness of emergency response systems.

National 911 Education Month, established by Congress in 2008, emphasizes the importance of effective emergency communication and honors telecommunicators nationwide.

March 31, 2025

Media Contact: Kimberly Maroe
Broward Commission PIO/Media Liaison 
Office of Public Communications
(954) 357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org