Dispatcher of the Year

The Dispatcher of the Year (DOTY) embodies traits listed in the document, "A Successful NetCom Employee." Special achievements, performance on critical incidents, and/or participation in Authority teams may also be factors in selection of the DOTY. Our DOTY is selected by their peers and endorsed by the Authority's management team to receive this annual award.

Meet our 2024 Dispatcher of the Year...

Paola Zepeda has been named the Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 Dispatcher of the Year for 2024.

Paola began her career as a 9-1-1 Public Safety Dispatch Assistant with Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 on August 1, 2018. She completed initial training, was promoted to Public Safety Dispatcher II in April 2019, and continued to expand her skills by becoming fully law cross-trained in March 2020. As a bilingual dispatcher, Paola is essential to the Authority’s ability to provide all citizens equitable access to emergency services.

Paola established herself within the organization, continuing to build skills by becoming an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) in December 2021 and a Fire Dispatcher in January 2022. She added Communications Training Officer (CTO) in February 2023. Paola also serves her co-workers in a dual role for the Employee Association as the Treasurer and Secretary.

Paola embodies the values of “A Successful Netcom Employee” by treating Users, the public and peers with respect and care.

Paola was selected by her peers and unanimously endorsed by the Authority’s management team to receive this annual award, and as such, it serves as a statement of appreciation for the qualities Paola possesses from all those who work with her on a daily basis. 

CONGRATULATIONS, PAOLA!

**Learn about some of our previous Dispatchers of the Year by clicking here!**