The Paul Schram Memorial Award
Honouring Our Emergency Communicators
During 9-1-1 Awareness Week each December, Regional Council honours more than 240 Emergency Communicators for their professionalism and quick thinking. Council also presents the Paul Schram Memorial Award to the Emergency Communicator of the Year from each of paramedics, police and fire.
The Paul Schram Memorial Award is named in memory of the late Paul Schram, who was instrumental in developing the 9-1-1 service in Peel.
Dec. 8, 2011: Back Row L-R: Deputy Chief Dan McDonald, Sergeant Ken Sluman, Councillor Richard Paterak, Acting Staff Sergeant Barry Leslie, Staff Superintendent Roman Boychuk, Inspector Barry Dolan. Front Row L-R: Regional Chair Emil Kolb, Councillor Elaine Moore, award recipient Rita Poetzsch, Councillor Paul Palleschi, award recipient Tanya Rourke, award recipient Karen Ballentyne.
2011 Award Recipients – presented on Dec. 8, 2011
Tanya Rourke has been employed with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services since 2005, and became an Acting Officer with the Joint Fire Communications Centre in 2010. Tanya is an optimistic role model, confident in nature and respected by her co-workers. Her excellent work ethic and attendance shows her commitment to Fire Services and Tanya’s initiative to improve is evident through self development with continuous education.
Karen Ballentyne has been employed as an Ambulance Communications Officer since 2004. She has consistently demonstrated a willingness to contribute to her workplace through peer support and diligence to her assignments. Karen always brings a positive and cheery attitude to work and always shows a “patient first” philosophy. She is not afraid to challenge norms and actively seeks improvements in our service model.
Rita Poetzsch has been a member of the Peel Regional Police for approximately 32 years. She has handled thousands of 9-1-1 calls of every nature with the utmost professionalism. Rita is the “go-to” person within the centre and is always ready with an answer even after hours. She has committed to the life of a 9-1-1 communicator and has given her all to the position and development of future communicators. |
