The strongest emergency communications leaders do more than manage the demands of today. They anticipate what their centers and their people will need tomorrow—and then bring others together to make it happen.
David Klozik has built his leadership around that kind of forward thinking.
The 2026 PSAPs’ Finest Director of the Year Award recognizes David, Director of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatch Center in Houston, Texas, for helping transform his center while creating meaningful new opportunities for the professionals who make its work possible.
Steady during a crisis and relentless in his pursuit of improvement, David has helped make the Emergency Dispatch Center a model for call-handling and service quality. He has modernized how members of the public reach the center and share critical information, while continually finding ways to strengthen operations.
His most lasting impact, however, may be the difference he has made for his people. David successfully advocated for a substantial pay increase and helped establish civilian supervisor and commander positions. These new roles give communications professionals opportunities to advance and lead without having to leave the field to which they have dedicated their careers.
David also looks ahead to staffing needs, invests in training and coaching, and brings employees together to solve difficult operational challenges. That collaborative approach helped the center address and reduce a significant backlog of audio-record requests.
Whether he is improving a process, developing future leaders, or helping his center navigate a major disaster, David leads with a clear understanding that strong emergency communications depend on both effective systems and supported, empowered people.
To learn more about David’s path to emergency communications and his approach to leadership, we spoke with him about his career and what this recognition means to him.
What attracted you to a career in public safety/911 emergency communications?David: I grew up with family in law enforcement, so I’ve always had an interest in public safety. After working in many different areas of my department and promoting through the ranks, I became involved in the dispatching and emergency communications side of the agency. I quickly developed an appreciation for the important role 911 professionals play in public safety.
What is your most memorable career experience?David: There have been quite a few, but I would say working during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It was an extraordinary event that challenged everyone involved and demonstrated just how important emergency communications is during a major disaster.
What do you most love about what you do?David: Getting to make a difference in people’s lives—both the employees I work with and the citizens we serve. I also enjoy having the opportunity to improve the organization and help our employees succeed.
What advice would you have for others thinking about a similar career path?David: Ask hard questions and make sure you understand what you’re getting into before starting. This career requires commitment, sacrifice, and the ability to perform under pressure, but it is also incredibly rewarding and very much worth it.
What does it mean to be recognized with a PSAPs’ Finest Award?David: It’s an incredible honor. While this is an individual award, I see it as a reflection of the wonderful team of dedicated men and women I have the privilege of working with every day. They work incredibly hard for the citizens of Harris County, and anything I have accomplished as a director would not be possible without them.
About the PSAPs’ Finest Awards
PSAPs’ Finest is an annual recognition program honoring excellence in emergency communications centers (ECCs). The awards celebrate individual and team achievements each year across categories including Lifetime Achievement, Above & Beyond, Communications Center Director/Manager, Line Supervisor, Technician, Trainer, Telecommunicator, Innovator, and PSAP of the Year.
More information can be found at:
https://www.nicepublicsafety.com/psaps-finest-awards
