New Hampshire 911 Telecommunicators Honored at New Hampshire Emergency Dispatcher’s Association Awards Banquet
CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Emergency Services and Communications, commonly known as New Hampshire 911, announces multiple staff recognitions for outstanding service and professionalism were received at the 2025 New Hampshire Emergency Dispatcher’s Association (NHEDA) Awards Banquet held last week.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s award recipients. Each of them exemplifies what it means to be a New Hampshire 911 telecommunicator,” said Director Mark Doyle of the Division of Emergency Services and Communications. “Without their skill and commitment, we could not fulfill our mission of locating, communicating, and connecting people in an emergency with the help they need.”
Supervisor Abigail Rider was named NHEDA’s 2025 Supervisor of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, dependability and commitment to her team. In addition to her supervisory duties, Rider played a key role in launching the Division’s comfort dog program – an initiative aimed at supporting the mental health of New Hampshire 911 telecommunicators. She assumed full responsibility for establishing the program alongside Hero Pups, a New Hampshire nonprofit specializing in support dogs for first responders and veterans. Under Rider’s care, Winni, a female golden retriever, graduated from her training and joined the Division full-time last year. Rider’s foresight, initiative and dedication were instrumental in bringing the program to life.
The Division’s Training Unit, comprised of Training Development Manager Michele Favre and Training Coordinators Jennifer Bridge and Nicholas Girard, received the NHEDA Trainer of the Year Award for their exceptional efforts in educating, mentoring and supporting new 911 telecommunicators.
Recruiting, preparing and guiding new staff into the demanding world of emergency communications is no easy task. The team develops and delivers a comprehensive curriculum that equips new hires with the skills, confidence and critical decision-making abilities needed to perform the job. Their dedication to training the telecommunicators of tomorrow helps ensure that every new dispatcher is ready to answer the call.
Additionally, the Department of Safety’s Peer Support Team was honored with the NHEDA Support Award, recognizing its commitment to promoting mental health and wellness and providing confidential, compassionate support to New Hampshire 911 telecommunicators and State Police dispatchers. The six-member team includes Rebecca Desrochers, Darren Lescarbeau, Bethany Drew and Chrystal Howery of New Hampshire 911 and John Miller and Grace Shannon from New Hampshire State Police Communications.
Members of the Peer Support Team are specially trained to offer peer-to-peer support in times of stress or crisis. Whether helping colleagues navigate the everyday demands of the job or responding to significant or critical incidents, the team provides a vital sounding board for those facing difficult moments.
Congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding service, leadership and commitment to serving the residents and visitors of New Hampshire. Thank you for being New Hampshire’s first, first responders.