New Orleans with my Mom!

In early August I got to go with my mom to New Orleans!  My mom was receiving the National APCO award for Trainer of the Year 2014 as a 911 dispatcher.  It was so special to be there and support my mom as she received this amazing award.

Here is a little write-up the Helena Montana Police Department did about my mom:

It is with great honor and distinction that the Helena Police Department publicly recognizes one of its longstanding employees, Gloria M. Gloria is one our outstanding 911 operators who has been faithfully performing her public duties for the past 23 years. Over those 23 years, Gloria has certainly heard it all, whether it’s the mundane barking dog complaint or the heart wrenching 911 call for service. Personally sacrificing many week-ends, nights, holidays and anniversaries; Gloria has been unwavering in the performance of her duties. For her commitment and devotion to the 911 Center’s training program, Gloria Malstrom was awarded the Association of Public Safety Communication Official (APCO) 2014 NATIONAL Trainer of the Year Award. Gloria was one of six national award recipients who stood on a national stage this week and received her award in New Orleans.

Perhaps the first and biggest benefit from Gloria’s public service is the satisfaction of incorporating the meaning of public service into the lives of the next generation of 911 employees. It’s our hope; Gloria's influence will have a lasting difference in our community. Over the past 23 years, Gloria has gone the extra mile and taken the extra step for a co-worker, a neighbor, a spouse or a stranger to make someone else’s life a little bit better. She continues to do this one 9-1-1 call at a time, and has come to define what a silent hero really means. Not only as a department, but as a community, we are very fortunate to have someone of this caliber in our ranks. Gloria thank-you for a job well done!!!!!

Here is a link to an article that our local newspaper wrote about my mom.  Pretty cool stuff!  My mom is a dedicated mother and 911 dispatcher and she deserves the recognition for the role she has played in helping and saving lives for the Helena community.  I am so proud of her.  Going to APCO conference in New Orleans was a lot of fun.  I enjoyed going to many of the sessions and guest speaker opportunities with my mom.  It was great to spend time with her and learn even more about her job.

My mom next to her sign with the award winners.

At the President's Dinner.  Good food!