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In the time since he started his new job, Mike has added an APCO certification and an EMD certification to his training resume. His other certifications include, Firemanship I and II, Basic Auto Extrication, Advanced Auto Extrication, Confined Space Rescue, WVU Driver/Pump Operator, and CPR. Mikes training, along with his years of practical field experience have proved invaluable to him in his new job at the Bureau.

Outside of work, Mike likes to spend his time outdoors. He enjoys hunting, fishing, playing paintball, and most especially spending time with his two small daughters. Mike's plans for the future are central to his daughters. He hopes to be able to increase the amount of time he gets to spend with them.

Mike's favorite saying; "Hate it for you!"

Mike's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "I hope we never have to see it again. I also think more Americans need to come together and take care of our own."

Sabrina is APCO, EMD, and WV Weapon Teletype certified. She also has completed Firefighter I training and First Responder, Weapons of Mass Destruction Study, and Haz Mat for Dispatchers.

Sabrina's choice of emergency communications as a career, stems from an interest in Law Enforcement and the Fire Service. Her plans for the future are to remain actively involved in these fields, either in communications or field work.

Sabrina was also honored on January 16th, 2003 as the 2002 Telecommunicator of the Year by the West Virginia Enhanced 911 Council.

Outside of work, Sabrina's interests include spending time with friends, painting, craft work, and singing.

When asked what she would like to see happen this year, Sabrina requested, "A year of peace and recognition where it is deserved." Sabrina advised that if she could change one thing it would be the hurt that children have had to endure through the September 11th tragedy.

Sabrina's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "Although this was a great tragedy for American history, it has raised a greater awareness for the job that we all have chosen to do in emergency services as both paid and volunteer workers. As well as bringing America back to its roots as a brotherhood, to overcome defeat and to stand proud."

Kristen is CPR certified, an APCO certified police dispatcher, an EMD certified medical dispatcher, and a WV Weapon certified Teletype Operator.

Coming from a law enforcement family, Kristen's outside interests are directed toward canine training. Kristen is a dog trainer, specializing in training dogs for police, personal protection, obedience, tracking, Schutzhund, obstacle, and narcotic detection. Kristen became interested in dog training at age thirteen after her father became a K-9 Officer for the Clarksburg Police Department.  She received her initial schooling at the West Virginia Canine College in Buckhannon, WV. At age fifteen, she traveled to Lacrosse, WI for additional schooling. Kristen now uses her skills teaching dog obedience classes to the public, and assisting her father in police K-9 demonstrations. She hopes to use this experience to advance herself beyond the emergency communications field and into a career as a K-9 police officer.

Derek's training includes APCO, EMD, Basic First Aid, CPR, WV Weapon, Firefighter I & II, Structural Firefighting, Haz-Mat I & II, and several other related certifications. He also brings to the job his field experience as a volunteer firefighter with the Shinnston Volunteer Fire Department. Derek advised he chose this career because he likes to help people and it also seemed like an exciting job.

Derek's off time interests include fire fighting, basketball, cars, music, dancing, the WV Mountaineers, and just about anything else to have fun. To the one thing Derek would change, he replied, "I would change the legal drinking age to eighteen."

When asked of his dreams for the future, Derek replied that he would like to be rich, have a nice house, cars, and a healthy family and friends. He advised he would like to see pay raises in the coming year and he would also like to see everything involving Bin Laden brought to an end.
Derek's favorite saying: "Drop kick me Jesus through the goal post of life!"

Derek's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "Terrible thing. However, I think it made everyone wake up and realize anything can happen. Also, I think the emergency workers all over the world realized that we are the first line of defense. The U.S. also showed that we are strong and can overcome anything."

Jeff has spent most of his adult life involved in various aspects of emergency services including several years experience with various Fire Departments and EMS agencies. He is currently the Training Officer for the Anmoore Volunteer Fire Department. He is also certified in APCO, EMD, CPR, EMT-B, NFPA Pro Board Fire Officer I, WVU Fire Service Instructor, Infection Control Instructor, along with numerous other related certifications.  His career choice in emergency communications is a direct extension of his volunteerism and his enjoyment of assisting people in need.

Jeff's future plans are to complete a lifetime career in emergency services, though he would like to see his golf game improve in the next year.

Jeff's off duty interests include fishing, camping, and of course, fire fighting and EMS activities.

Jeff's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "Unbelievable."

Paul's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "What a terrible tragedy. how one group of people could attack another group of people based on their nationality is beyond me. Especially when they turn their anger on innocent people and take them from us. I think of the families and friends of those that have lost loved ones and the way they so unselfishly gave of themselves so that others might be able to go home to their families. No greater love hath one man than to lay down his life for another!"

Nathen's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "I think that it is one of the worst days in America's history, but I think that it has brought people in general closer together and has given us all a renewed sense of worth."

He is an APCO certified police dispatcher, and an EMD certified medical dispatcher.

Rob also is an active member of the West Milford Volunteer Fire Department, currently holding the rank of Assistant Chief. Rob's training as a certified fire fighter, which includes auto extrication, Haz Mat, and Incident Command, combined with his years of fire department experience, have proved a valuable asset to him in his work at the 911 Center. Rob states a love of emergency services as responsible for his career in emergency dispatch and communications.

Outside of work, Rob's favorite pastime is hunting. He is an avid deer, turkey, and raccoon hunter, who enjoys all aspects of the outdoors.

At this time, Rob's plans or dreams for the future are unknown, though he would like to see pay increases over the next few years. When asked if there was one thing he could change, Rob's reply was "Nothing". This is typical of his easy going attitude, as is his favorite expression or saying, which is, "Oh Well!".

Rob's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "Those responsible for the deaths of all the innocent people should be punished severely!"

Andy's list of training certifications include, APCO Certified Telecommunicator, EMD Certified Medical Dispatcher, CPR, Firemanship I, II, and III, Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Training - First Responder, Hazardous Materials Incident Analysis, Principles of Extrication, Auto Extrication, Supplemental Inflatable Restraint Systems, Emergency Vehicle Driving, Incident Command System, Leadership I and III, Managing Company Operations, Managing Company Tactical Operations, Emergency Response to Terrorism, and several other related certifications.

Andy is an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite off duty activities are a direct reflection of his enjoyment of the outdoors.

In addition to his work experience, Bob's other training includes APCO, EMD, CPR, Firefighter I, II, and III, completed EMT class, attended several classes at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Bob also claims a Certificate from the School of Hard Knocks.

Away from work, Bob is an avid Dallas Cowboys and New York Mets fan who enjoys spending quiet evenings at home with his wife, watching sporting events and good action or suspense movies.

As for the future, Bob is looking forward to retiring and relocating south to a warmer climate. Until then, he would like to see a nice big salary increase. His reply to the question of what one thing he would change if he could was, "My age! If only I could be nineteen again!".

Bob's favorite saying: "Be thankful for everything you have in life, because there are so many less fortunate people in the world who have a lot less to be thankful for."

Bob's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "I believe it was the greatest tragedy in American history having a profound impact on every American in the world. That date will be embedded in our minds forever. It brought forth an overall realization that our country is not indestructible and is more susceptible to future terrorist attacks on our soil than we ever imagined."

Mark has been an active member of the Spelter Volunteer Fire Department since 1973, where he has held every office in the department and currently holds the position of Fire Chief. He also served several years with the Harrison County Emergency Squad, where he held the positions of Training Officer, Communications Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

During his long time involvement in the various fields of emergency services, Mark has accumulated an extensive list of training and certifications. His many certifications include WV Weapon, APCO Basic, APCO Training Officer, APCO Supervisor, ICS/EOC, EMD, EMT, former Paramedic, CPR, former CPR Instructor, Incident Command for EMS, First Responder, several Extrication & Rescue classes, Firemanship I, II, and III, Arson and Bombs, Fire Service Instructor, NPQB Pro Board Certified Firefighter III, ICS, NPQB Fire Service Instructor II, NPQB Certified Fire Officer I and II, NPQB Certified Driver/Operator, Managing Tactical Operations, Leadership I, II, and III, Pumps and Hydraulics, Pump Operations, multiple Hazardous Materials and Radiological Monitoring certifications, numerous management courses, several Emergency Response to Terrorism certifications, Court Room Testimony, Structural Collapse, and multiple related certifications too numerous to list.

Outside of work, Mark's activities are mostly centered around his volunteer activities and duties as the Chief of the Spelter Fire Department. His other off duty activities include photography, fishing, camping, and going to the beach.

When asked what he would like to see happen in the next year, Mark advised he would like to win the lottery. In response to the question of what one thing he would change, he responded, "I would like to be twenty-one again and know what I know now!"

Mark's favorite saying: "You can't be scared of it!"

Mark's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "This was a horrific waste of human life the likes of which I hope I never have to experience again. Nothing can replace those who are gone, but we can remember the brave rescue workers who make the ultimate sacrifice trying to help the injured."

In addition to her practical Fire and EMS experience, Connie's own training includes APCO, EMD, WV Weapon, ICS/EOC, WVCHI, WVIX, Communications Center Supervisor Program, Certified Training Officer, Emergency Response to Terrorism, former EMT, and numerous fire service certifications.

Connie loves anything that has to do with the outdoors. Her future plans are family oriented and she hopes to be able to spend more quality time with her family. She would also like to see higher pay for Bureau employees.

Connie's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "I felt sorrow, fright, and uncertainty"

He came to work for the Bureau in November of 1992, after he left the U. S. Air Force where he served as an Instructor Flight Engineer on a C-141B Aircraft. Joe logged several hundred combat flight hours supporting the war effort during the Persian Gulf War. Joe's technical training in the military has served him well in his service to the Bureau, where he is also a TAC Officer (terminal agency coordinator) in charge of record keeping for the WV Weapon Teletype System. His other training includes EMD, APCO, WV Weapon, and numerous Fire and EMS certifications.

Scuba diving, fire fighting, and computers are some of Joe's favorite off duty pastimes. His plans for the future is to continue his career at the Bureau, and he hopes for significant pay raises over the next few years.

Joe's favorite saying: "You only live once!"

Joe's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "Real darn tragedy".

Bryan's training includes, APCO, EMD, NFPA 1001, and Pro-Board Firefighter Level III, and multiple Fire and EMS related certifications. Bryan also brings several years of practical Fire and EMS experience to the job. He is a former member of both the West Milford and Lost Creek Fire Departments, and is an active member of the Nutter Fort Fire Department.

Bryan's outside interests reflect his enjoyment of the outdoors, and include hunting, fishing, and four wheeling.

Greg is an APCO Certified police dispatcher, and a WV WEAPON Certified Teletype Operator. He is also a certified Search and Recovery and Open Water Scuba Diver, and holds numerous certifications relating to Fire, EMS, and Emergency Services training. In addition to this training, Greg is able to draw on his practical experience as a former EMT, former CPR instructor, a retired sixteen year member of the Jackson's Mill Volunteer Fire Department, and his current activities with the Harrison County Water Rescue and Recovery Team.

An avid outdoorsman, Greg's interests include farming, hunting, fishing, archery, scuba diving, horseback riding, horse shoeing, wood crafts, and raising registered boxers and horses. Greg is also an avid reader and writer. He has one finished, as yet unpublished, novel and is currently working on his second book. Prior to his employment at the Bureau, Greg held several different jobs. He is a former surface mine blaster, truck driver, and equipment operator. He has also worked as a corrections officer, a plumber, a carpenter, a cook, a waiter, and a farrier.

When asked of his dreams and plans for the future, Greg advised that he would like to build a house and travel more.

Greg's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "Find those responsible, then do what is necessary to see that it doesn't happen again. After that, let God sort them out."

Davey's training in the Emergency Services field is quite extensive. Among his many certifications are, APCO, CPR, EMT, Firemanship I and II, Principals of Extrication, Truck Company Operations, EVOC, Section I Rescue, Cevo/Fire, ICTO, MCTO, TOCO, Leadership I, II, and III, IRHMI Basic and Concept Implementation, Incident Safety Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Managing the Death Scene, Response to Terrorism/Basic Concepts, Natural and LP Gas Emergencies, Aim Gas Detection Instruments, EIS/Basic and Advanced, Pump Operations, Rope Rescue, Communications Specialist, Handling Railroad Transportation Hazards, Managing Conflict and Controlling Anger, NFA Fire Arson Detection, Arson I, Firefighting Foams and Application, WV Weapon, Cameo, ICS, Radiological Monitoring, Response to Radioactive Incidents, numerous Emergency Management home study courses, as well as numerous other Emergency Service related courses.

Davey's off time interests include hunting, boating, fishing, firearms, camping, computers, and home study courses.

When asked of his dream or plans for the future, he replied, "Promotion to the rank of Captain, and then a fun filled retirement." Promotion to Captain is something he would really like to see happen within the next year.

His favorite saying reflects his normal outlook, "If it can go wrong, it will go wrong!" This is also reflected in his response to the question, if I could change one thing, it would be "that I would have went to college and devoted my life to something other than emergency services!"

Davey's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "The deaths of the Civilians and Responders should not be forgotten and our Country should do its best to avenge the act and seek out and eliminate terrorists wherever they are found."

Paul now holds the rank of Deputy Chief at the Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services, where his primary duties include programming and routine maintenance of the many computers systems, phone systems, and radio systems that operate in the 911 Center. He also maintains the local and wide area networks that link the 911 Center to the Harrison County Courthouse and several of the area police departments. Paul is also involved various other critical emergency services related projects, including mapping, addressing, and cellular call locations.

Paul combines twenty-two years of experience in the fire service and numerous certifications related to Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management, to aid him in his daily duties at the Communications Center.

His off duty time is split between his computer, the Salem Fire Department, and his favorite outdoor activities, which primarily involves the use of a fishing pole.

Paul's favorite saying: "Drive carefully!"

Paul's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "It's a shame that something so horrific had to happen to bring to the forefront the special people that emergency services providers really are."

Jim's outside interests include music, reading, movies, travel, sports, writing, and graphic arts.

When asked why or how he chose this career, Jim advised, "Desire to help others, and to make a difference in the community". He also advised that if he could change one thing it would be, "better pay and recognition for Public Safety Telecommunicators". His favorite saying is, "Life is not a popularity contest".

Jim's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "The best and worst humanity has to offer was shown to the world. Public Safety professionals were cast in a new light, one of eternal gratitude and admiration."

Fred's thoughts concerning the events of September 11, 2001: "It is a sight that will never be forgotten, nor will the total shock in the loss of human life for no reason other than hate."

Chris is an APCO certified police dispatcher, an EMD certified medical dispatcher, and a WV Weapon certified teletype operator. In complement to his emergency dispatch training, Chris is also a certified firefighter with ten years of Fire Service experience and five years experience in the EMS Service. This practical experience, combined with his training, has helped Chris to excel in his chosen profession in the field of emergency communications.

Sonny's off duty time is spent mostly with his family and in sports related activities. His hobbies include late model dirt racing, Little League Baseball and Jerry West Basketball with his three boys. He also enjoys spending time playing with his other "kids", a pair of rambunctious Jack Russell Terriers.