When VFW Post 2039 in Butte County hosts its annual public safety awards, it takes the time and effort to recognize the very best. This is a chance for public safety agencies in the county to award their top dispatchers and employees.

This year, on January 21, 2015, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) member and CALFIRE Communications Operator Holly McLaughlin was given a 2015 Paradise/CALFIRE "Dispatcher of the Year" award.

McLaughlin has been a Communications Operator for CAL FIRE since October of 2007. She was recognized for this award by her peers for her efficiency and outstanding customer service. In addition to her primary responsibility as a fire and rescue dispatcher, McLaughlin is also responsible for overseeing the 911 emergency and non-emergency phone systems in the CAL FIRE Command Center in Oroville. Holly, her husband and their two children live in Paradise.

"Working as a CALFIRE Communications Operator is no easy task," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. "CALFIRE Com Ops are on the front line of emergency response and many times work under a lot of pressure. We appreciate that they are there for us in time of need and remain professional in times of crisis. Congratulations Holly, keep up the great work."

"The public safety awards dinner was a great success," said VFW Post 2039 Paradise Commander Wes Cochran. "We have done this for 27 years now. More than 200 attended and we gave out 15 awards." Cochran is a retired Deputy State Fire Marshal and CSLEA member.