One of the leaders at Level Volunteer Fire Company is in the running for a prestigious 911 dispatcher award.
Assistant Chief Rhonda Hinch is one of nine finalists in the Northeast Region for the Smart Telecommunicator Award for 2015, being provided by Smart 911.
Smart911 is a free service from AT&T service enables U.S. residents to create private online safety profiles to share with emergency dispatchers, so that first responders can better serve their community, according to AT&T.
Hinch, who works in the Harford County Department of Emergency Services 911 Center in Hickory, is the only nominee from Maryland.
The award recognizes telecommunicators who demonstrate superb leadership, performance, compassion for callers, ability to inspire co-workers and overall contribution to their call center.
Level Volunteer Fire Company is asking people to vote for Hinch through 5 p.m. this Friday, April 3, by going to http://safety.smart911.com/sta.
Last year's national winner received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice, while each of the four regional honorees received a $500 donation to a charity of their choice.
Hinch has selected Level Volunteer Fire Company as her chosen charity if she wins, according to a notice sent out by fire the company.