Telecommunicator Robin Herzig accepted the Silent Hero Award at the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO)/National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Texas Public Safety Conference in Galveston.

The Silent Hero Certificate of Recognition is a noncompetitive award presented to Telecommunicators for their work in the field of public safety.  It also acknowledges their contributions to the department.

In Robin’s nomination, he was praised for going the extra mile to teach the public about 9-1-1 at Fire Department Open Houses, and working overtime at the animal shelter when they need help.  

Robin received a commendation from a resident for going above and beyond to reunite that person with a lost puppy, and is praised for exceptional customer service skills, and showing care and concern to Grapevine residents on a daily basis.

He also earns accolades for creating worksheets to streamline responses to fire calls, and is currently developing a city map with major roads and block numbers, to assist in learning and teaching geography for people who are new to the area. 

At the public safety conference in Galveston, Robin says it was great to finally talk in person with dispatchers from cities like Euless, Irving, and Bedford.  He raved about the courses on training, supervising, understanding victims, and advanced 911 technology, but also enjoyed a tour of the Galveston Port Authority.  “While there, I watched them call a wrecker for an 18-wheeler that got stuck over a concrete barrier.  Guess some things in dispatch are universal.”

Robin accepted his Silent Hero award on a stage in front of 300 people (pictured above).  He encourages future recipients to attend the conference.  “Not only was it educational and a good excuse to take several days off work and relax, but it was also a lot of fun. It’s one of those experiences that’ll stick with me for a long time.”