"This group that was involved are some of our most experienced dispatchers," Lougee said. "We were lucky to have our A team on. They're a fun group; they like that kind of pressure; they like doing their job knowing that they've done it to the best."

Provo's Becky Berge, who won Dispatcher of the Year, also was working the night of the explosion where her "extreme ability to multitask" came in very handy, Lougee said.

Along with being an exceptional dispatcher, Berge is a communications training officer who helps instruct new hires, a tactical dispatcher who works with officers during hostage and negotiation situations and an expert as it relates to Provo's use of the Bureau of Criminal Identification system.

"Becky is the type of employee who not only works hard on her assignments but also works to promote teamwork between her co-workers," wrote Heather Perkins, Berge's dispatch shift supervisor in a letter of recommendation to APCO. "She is not a flashy, attention-seeking employee wanting constant validation for her good works. Instead, she works quietly and consistently to keep the dispatch center running smoothly and cohesively."

Other winners include:

Supervisor of the Year: Dee Bird, Davis County Sheriff's Office

Administrator of the Year: Tina Roylance, Layton Police Department

Technician of the Year: Mark Whetsel, VECC

Unit Citation Award: Layton Police Department, taffing

E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com