PSAPs’ Finest Honor Roll: Janet Hawkins, Communications Supervisor, Spokane Regional Emergency Communications

The PSAPs’ Finest Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates lifetime achievements of emergency communications professionals. Janet’s Hawkin’s longevity in public safety is a true testament to her strength, resilience, and perseverance. With 33 years under her belt, most of it in law dispatch, her knowledge and skills are unmatched. Janet has continued to put off retirement for the good of her organization, and because she cares so much about training the next generation of dispatchers.

Her three-decade long career is an amazing accomplishment. Her upbeat and positive attitude with first responders in the field and her team are incredible. She goes above and beyond to ensure officer safety, building trusting relationships with the field and on the dispatch and 911 floor.

One of the greatest impacts Janet has made to her organization and her profession involves the oversight of training materials and academies. She has been focused on training for more than two decades, with a demonstrated commitment and caring beyond the norm.

Recently I had an opportunity to talk to Janet about what she loves most about her work and what being recognized as the 2024 PSAPs’ Finest Lifetime Achievement award recipient means to her.

What attracted you to a career in public safety communications?
Janet: I was a single mom working at the jail in 1991 and a friend suggested I test for “dispatch.” At the time I had no other reason than to better provide for my family. Soon after beginning the job though, I realized it “grabbed” me. There were so many elements I had to learn, for example:

• Searching out information on people, places, previous calls, and more, then tying everything into one complete, concise package to convey to patrol;
• Monitoring not only my channel, but my partners and outlying agencies;
• Helping not only the patrol units I was responsible for but my extended partners in law enforcement, fire, medical, etc., as needed;
• Working as part of a bigger team which begins with 911/crime check, building the base of our calls for service;
• Adding needed information and then getting it to where it needs to go, and so on…

I have been fascinated by this work for over 30 years, and though my part is small in the bigger scheme of things, I believe I have made a positive contribution to the mission.

What is your most memorable career experience?
Janet: In 2012 two deputies were shot in what turned out to be a not routine traffic stop – a horrifying reminder that there is never a routine call.

What do you most love about what you do?
Janet: I love the people I work with. I love the many facets that I must be ready to pivot with as changes come into play. I love that I have never been bored in this work. There are always changes even when it is a scenario that has played out before.

What advice would you have for others thinking about a similar career path?
Janet: Be prepared to feel like you know nothing for the first couple of years. Believe that the skills you are learning will become easier and you will continue to build knowledge that you will put into play with increasing confidence as your experience grows. Care passionately about being your best, giving your best, and expecting the best in others.

What does it mean to be recognized with a PSAPs' Finest Award?
Janet: I was surprised how much it does mean. I would say no one in law enforcement expects anyone to notice if they do something well. You show up and you do your job. To have it acknowledged is humbling. I am very thankful to everyone I have worked with through the years for all they have taught me. Thank you to Kim Arredondo, our Deputy Director, for nominating me. I have been incredibly lucky in my life for this to be my career.

About the PSAPs’ Finest Awards
PSAPs’ Finest is a recognition program for emergency communications center (ECC) professionals. The awards recognize individual and team standouts annually in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement, Above & Beyond, Communications Center Director/Manager, Line Supervisor, Technician, Trainer, Telecommunicator, Innovator, and PSAP of the Year. In 2025, PSAPs’ Finest will celebrate its twentieth year. Know someone you’d like to nominate for a PSAPs’ Finest award? Nominations for the 2025 PSAPs’ Finest Awards are open now. For more information please visit the PSAPs' Finest website or email us at PSInfo@NiCE.com.