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Gojo wins the Stanton Award

Congratulations to NJ-NENA Commercial Vice President Bob Gojanovich on winning the 2003 William E. Stanton Award, which is bestowed upon an individual who not only excelled in his or her everyday job but who has gone above and beyond to further the goals of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). The Award, which debuted in 1999 at the NENA Annual Conference, is named for the first recipient and long-time executive director of NENA. The William E. Stanton Award is a Lifetime Achievement award and replaces the previous NENA 9-1-1 Service Awards.

Gojo was presented his award by NENA President Richard Taylor at the 2003 Conference held in Denver, Colorado. He retired last summer after 31 years with Verizon and now works as a consultant for iXP Corp.

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Dispatchers Save a Life in Person

Teamwork has always been an important factor in the daily life of the 9-1-1 Operators in Hunterdon County. On Sunday, September 15, 2002 teamwork was taken to another level. At the change of shift at 7:00 AM, this day would start much differently than those in the past.

At 7:03 AM a man knocked on the front door on the 9-1-1 Communications Center in the Cherryville section of Franklin Township. The man excitedly explained that a female friend in his vehicle was having respiratory distress and was now unconscious. Senior Public Safety Telecommunicator Arthur Stier assessed the situation and coordinated a quick response. 9-1-1 Operators Bill Powell and Jason Slaughter (pictured) left their posts to administer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Operators Gretchen Umgelter and Stefanie Kenney dispatched the Quakertown Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, Hunterdon Medical Center’s MICU and police officers to the Communications Center. These operators also picked up the extra positions vacated by the rescuers.

Outside the race was on to save the life of the 25-year old female. Operators Slaughter and Powell worked feverishly to restore the victims pulses and respiratory function. They were joined by Operator Frank Veneziale, who had just left after working a midnight shift to assist in the resuscitation efforts.

Members from the Quakertown Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, Hunterdon Medical Center’s MICU (paramedic unit), Franklin Township Patrolmen John Oliveira and Tim Snyder, and Raritan Township Patrolman Peter Serrone responded to the Communications Center and each played and important role in the saving of the young woman.

In addition to those listed above, we would like to commend the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders for their insight into bringing the Public Access Defibrillation Program to the County facilities and the residents that they serve.

Teamwork has always been an important function for success of any endeavor and this shows how essential teamwork truly is.

The operators were honored by the Board of Freeholders at their meeting on October 22, 2002. They were presented with plaques, CPR Save pins and patches.

Left to Right: Operators Frank Veneziale, Jason Slaughter, Gretchen Umgelter, Stefanie Kenney, Art Stier, Bill Powell, Vanessa Spears (the victim) and Freeholder Frank Fuzo.

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New Jersey NENA's 9-1-1 Heroes

1st Vice President Bonnie Hueg presented NJ-NENA's first 9-1-1 Hero Award to Josh Hixon, an 11-year old Salem County resident who made the right call when his mother was kicked in the chest by a horse.

While tending their horses, Tammy Hixon was kicked in the chest. Josh quickly ran into the house and dialed 9-1-1. He attempted to bring the cordless phone to where his mother lay injured but realized that he was out of range for the base and moved closer to the house to answer the call taker's questions. Emergency medical assistance was sent and Mrs. Hixon is doing well.

In recognition of his timely and appropriate actions in this emergency, Josh was presented with a certificate of recognition, a 9-1-1 Hero medal and 9-1-1 Hero tee shirt by NJ-NENA Vice President Bonnie J. Hueg. Salem County Freeholder Director Dave Sparks presented Josh with the Salem County Three Cheers Award and Salem County Department of Emergency Services's 9-1-1 for Kids Coordinator Dee Green presented him with a Red E. Fox certificate and medal. The ceremony took place at the Pittsgrove Boro Committee Meeting on July 18, 2002.

Mr. Hixon reported that Josh had been active in a police cadet program and learned about 9-1-1 in school. Also present at the ceremony were Josh's younger brother and sister who were presented with State of New Jersey 9-1-1 coloring books so they could learn about 9-1-1 and follow in their big brother's footsteps.

NJ-NENA's two 2003 9-1-1 Heroes were honored and presented with medals, t-shirts and plaques at the 2003 conference. Laila Parhizharan and Natasha Rasekhi "made the right call" when Laila's mother had her arm trapped between a garage door and the back door of their van, lifting her off the ground. The girls placed a chair under her and called 9-1-1 immediately. Officer Frank Saraceni of the River Vale Police Department nominated the girls for this award.

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LINKS

Click Here to visit the New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services website.

Click Here to visit the National Emergency Number Association website.

Last updated December 7, 2008