A Coral Springs employee has received the prestigious Tom Gallagher Award for exceptional service.
Emergency Telecommunicator Shaunte Reid was honored at the Broward County Commission meeting held on Tuesday, April 26 for her exemplary leadership, distinguished and compassionate service to Coral Springs and Parkland residents. The award is presented annually every April to commemorate April as 911 National Education Month.
“Telecommunicators, like Shaunte, are the first line of help in an emergency,” said Fire Chief Michael McNally. “Shaunte exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated public servant who contributes to saving lives and we are so lucky to have her serve both Coral Springs and Parkland.”
Known for her positive attitude and dedication to the department, Reid is often relied upon to assist with calls during high-stress incidents such as a kidnapping, a shooting, and a weapon-related SWAT call. Recently, Reid deployed life-saving measures during a call she received for an apparent suicide attempt. The individual in crisis was said to be without a pulse and Reid calmly guided the caller with CPR instructions. When paramedics arrived, they discovered that the patient’s pulse was restored. The patient was transported and ultimately survived, recovered, and received all necessary treatment. Reid’s actions on this life-saving call demonstrated her devotion to her duties and directly contributed to this patient’s survival.
Of her recognition, Chief Clyde Parry added, “We have tremendous trust in Shaunte’s leadership, that is one of the many reasons she was selected to serve as a training officer. She is credited with creating a positive environment for up-and-coming communicators, ensuring they receive the best training experience possible.”
The City of Coral Springs operates its own Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all emergency calls for police, fire and emergency medical services.
