Murfreesboro Emergency Communications names Jeanne Smith 2026 Telecommunicator of the Year
Murfreesboro Emergency Communications (MEC) has named Emergency Communications Specialist 1 (ECS1) Jeanne Smith as the 2026 9-1-1 Telecommunicator of the Year.
Smith joined MEC on October 21, 2024, and received eleven nominations from both frontline team members and supervisors, recognizing her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to teamwork.
As a 9-1-1 call taker, Smith is known for her calm, empathetic approach during high-stress situations. She consistently reassures callers, ensuring they feel heard and supported while maintaining efficiency. Nominations highlighted her ability to balance professionalism with genuine care, reflecting the core mission of emergency communications.
Beyond her duties on the headset, Smith is a positive force within the communications center. She supports her coworkers through peer support and appreciation efforts, offering encouragement during challenging calls and helping foster a strong, resilient team environment.
“Jeanne exemplifies the highest standards of emergency communications,” said Seth W. Russell, Director of Murfreesboro Emergency Communications. “Her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support for both the public and her colleagues make her highly deserving of this recognition.”
The announcement coincides with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18, 2026), an annual observance held during the second full week of April to recognize 9-1-1 professionals as the “first” first responders. Telecommunicators serve as the critical link between the public and emergency services, answering calls, providing life-saving instructions, and coordinating responses for police, fire, and EMS.
Throughout the week, we honor the dedication, skill, and resilience of these professionals who manage high-pressure situations daily. Their work often goes unseen, but their impact is felt in every emergency response and every life they help protect.
