ST. JOSEPH — Two Berrien County dispatchers, Heather Ramsay of the Niles Police Department and Leslie Vincent of the county dispatch center, were honored Thursday for “their extraordinary efforts and abilities” while dispatching 911 calls.

Heather Ramsay, Leslie Vincent

Awards were presented by Jim Stormont and Jack Fisher from the 911 Advisory Committee at the Board of Commissioners meeting at the Berrien County Administration Building.

Vincent, Dispatcher of the Year, answered a call on Jan. 19. The caller hung up, so she called the phone number again. A female answered. The caller, who initially would not give her name or location, was suicidal.

“After much determination and patience, the location and patient were identified,” Stormont said. “Leslie used her calming voice and skills to keep the caller on the line until help arrived.”

She has been with the agency for 5 years.

Ramsay, a dispatcher since April 2010, received a special honorable mention award after being nominated by her supervisor and supported by her shift.

On May 14, 2011, Ramsay took a breaking and entering in progress call.

A 15-year-old hiding in the basement called 911. She stayed on the line with the caller. During this time, there were two separate accidents on I-94 and Cass County called requesting units for a domestic call.

“On this evening, Heather exemplified the very important role dispatchers play in keeping not only our officers, but our entire community, safe on a daily basis,” Stormont said.