The first students to complete the new Cochise College Communications Officer training was recognized on Feb. 28 at the Sierra Vista Campus in the Student Union. The ceremony for the inaugural program celebrated thirteen students with remarks by President J.D. Rottweiler and Sheriff Mark Dannels.
The six-week academy provides first responder communication officers with entry-level training in administrative policies and procedures, interpersonal skills, confidentiality, legal issues, telephone and broadcast function, and departmental and external databases. Upon completing the program, students can apply for the Communications Officer Certificate and employment as public safety dispatchers. All of the students are employed or soon to be employed and ready to answer calls for assistance throughout the county.
Dr. J.D. Rottweiler recognized the students and thanked our partnering agencies for their ongoing support. “The connection that ties all the agencies together is the communications professionals – the dispatchers,” he said. “To implement this program in this time frame, everyone had to commit, support and make things happen.”
The Communications Officer course began in January to introduce students to the necessary knowledge and skills to work in a law enforcement communications center. “The class and certificate were revived to fill a need at the Southeast Arizona Communication Center (SEACOM),” said Dr. Eric Brooks, executive director of the First Responders Academy. “They were running at 33% capacity, and the college was approached to consider implementing a program.”
The new officers are Jennifer Cervantes-Hernandez, Christa Farrington, Christine Hennessey-Cavan, Sarrah Hugues, Andreana Morales, Bayleigh Neimeyer, Abigail Richter, Kylie Soles, Gayle Toler, Samantha Unger, Shelby Van Sickle, Kiya Voss, and Tuesday Weinheimer.
“The vision we have of taking these critical workforce needs came together because of partnerships,” Dr. Rottweiler said during his remarks. “Cochise College is proud to be part of that partnership. It is a core part of our mission.”