Dispatcher Yolanda "Yoli" Covarrubias has answered the call for help for many residents, business owners and visitors of Azusa for the past 32 years. As an Azusa Police Department Dispatcher, she is proud of her profession, co-workers and department.  

Because of Covarrubias' performance and experiences on the job, the California Emergency Dispatcher Association, or CAL-EDA, has awarded her the 2014 Golden Headset Award.  This is the first award to be given since the inception of CAL-EDA, in 2003.  

Dispatcher Yolanda Covarrubias with Communication's Supervisor Tami PatlogarToday, an awards ceremony was held at the police department in honor of Covarrubias. In the presence of family, friends and co-workers, she was presented the award by CAL-EDA Vice President Leslie Muller. Although award applications had been received from agencies between San Diego to Sacramento, Muller said she and her fellow board members unanimously voted that Covarrubias' application was the most impressive.

An Example To All

Azusa Police Department Communication's Supervisor Tami Patlogar, who leads the team of police dispatchers, had submitted Covarrubias' name into the running for the award. She felt that Covarrubias' 34 years of service with the city of Azusa, in which she started out working in the records division, is an example to all. Patlogar explained how Covarrubias has handled high-stress calls, such as pursuits, officer-involved shootings and suicidal subjects, all while making it look easy. "The time commitment and work effort she puts in as a dispatcher is worth it's weight in gold alone, and is an attribute you do not find easily in an employee," said Patlogar.

Chief Sam Gonzalez said, "We love Yoli for her positive attitude. Nobody works harder. She signs up for overtime and in spite of being the most senior dispatcher, she is always willing to work for everybody." He believes this first award given to a dispatcher is very well deserved by Covarrubias.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

There is no better time for Covarrubias to receive this award, as it is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Each year, we honor the men and women of the dispatching profession, who dedicate themselves to the safety and security of the communities they serve. Because of this, the department has established the Azusa Police Department Dispatcher Appreciation Facebook Event Page for residents, business owners, and department personnel to leave some kind words for these hard working and caring dispatchers.

You can also 'tweet some comments to @AzusaPD with the hashtag #NPSTW2014.

Are You Interested In A Career In Public Safety Dispatching?

If you feel you are up to the challenge of an exciting and rewarding career, consider becoming a public safety dispatcher. You can find out more information by visiting the California Commission On Peace Officer Standards And Training website.