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8 <br /> Dinah Jeffries began her career of service with Orange County in 1983 as a temporary youth <br /> counselor in a summer program with the Recreation Department. Three months later, Dinah <br /> started her public safety journey when she was hired as Telecom municator with the Emergency <br /> Services department. Dinah was promoted to a Communications Shift Leader in 1988, a role <br /> she served in for five years until transferring to a training position. In 2007, Dinah assumed the <br /> role of Communication Operations Manager and lead the 9-1-1 Communications Division <br /> through the implementation of new technologies, adoption of national protocols, and a re-design <br /> of the current center at Meadowlands Drive. <br /> Dinah Jeffries made history in 2016 when she became the first woman and the first woman of <br /> color charged with leading the Emergency Services department. In 2020, Ms. Jeffries provided <br /> invaluable leadership in guiding the Countywide response to the COVID-19 Pandemic alongside <br /> Health Director, Quintana Stewart. In addition to her service to Orange County, Dinah also <br /> made significant contributions to her profession by serving as a board member to the North <br /> Carolina 911 Board and the NC Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communication <br /> Officials (APCO) Executive Board. For 37 years, Dinah Jeffries has led with integrity, <br /> compassion, professionalism and unwavering dedication to her communities and those she had <br /> been charged to lead. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): <br /> The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the attached <br /> proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Dinah Jeffries for her service to the <br /> people of Orange County and wishing her well in her retirement. <br /> Kim Woodward, Emergency Medical Services Operations Manager, said it has been her <br /> honor to serve with Dinah Jeffries, and she has been a mentor to her. She said Dinah Jeffries is <br /> simply the best, and she wished her well in her retirement. <br /> Lysa May, Administration Officer, said all previous comments are completely true, and <br /> she wished Dinah Jeffries the best. <br /> Jason Shepherd, Fire Marshall, reiterated comments previously made, and said Dinah <br /> Jeffries is an incredible leader. He said he hoped to call her friend for many years to come. <br /> Kevin Medlin, Communications Operations Manager, said he is one of the few people <br /> left who grew up with Dinah Jeffries. He thanked her for her leadership and mentorship. <br /> Jeryl Anderson said working with Dinah Jeffries is one of the best decisions she has <br /> ever made, and thanked her for her friendship and mentorship over the years. She wished her <br /> well in the future. <br /> Sheriff Charles Blackwood said he and Dinah Jeffries grew up together in the County, <br /> and it has been his honor to serve alongside her. He said her leadership in Emergency <br /> Services has been exceptional. He said she and her staff are knowledgeable, prepared and <br /> professional. He said she has been a friend and confidant, and he will miss her greatly in his <br /> daily working life. He said everyone works towards retirement, and it should be celebrated, but <br /> he is selfishly very sad to see her go. He said he is thankful she will be nearby. <br /> Chair Price read the following proclamation: <br />