Telecommunicators from across the state gathered at the Woodsboro Activities Complex for the annual celebration by the state's Emergency Number Association and the Emergency Number Systems Board.

"It's a real honor to have Frederick County host the event this year," said Chip Jewell, director for the Frederick County Emergency Communications Center.

It is the first year the celebration has been held in the county.

Delegate Paul Stull has been a volunteer with the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co. for many years.

He called dispatchers the unsung heroes who get help to those who need it.

"You do a great job and we really appreciate it," Stull said.

A dispatcher from every county was honored with an award during the event, which also featured a keynote speaker and a training session.

Emergency Communications supervisor Vicky Martin was named Telecommunicator of the Year for Frederick County.

"What did I do for this?" Martin recalled saying when she was told she won Tuesday morning.

Each call that comes into the emergency center is monitored for quality assurance, Jewell said. Out of the 44 dispatchers at the center, she scored the highest.

"She does a very good job," Jewell said.

When taking calls, Martin said she is patient and follows the proper procedures.

"It's a team effort," she said. "It's not just one person."

It was the first time Martin has won the award.

She has been a dispatcher at the center for 21 years and has volunteered for 28 years at Graceham and Lewistown Volunteer Fire companies as a firefighter/EMT.

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