Dispatcher, when Ledyard only had three full-time Dispatchers, noting that their friendship
now goes back a number of years. He stated as a Dispatcher for Ledyard, Ms. Smith has
operated out of three different buildings in town, noting that the Dispatch Communication
Center was located in the lower level of the Town Hall, then it moved to a building on
Lorenze Parkway, and was now located in the Police Facility. He stated over the years the
Emergency 911- Dispatch Communications Services has grown to what they have today,
noting that Ms. Smith been involved in its evolution. He stated that Ms. Smith was rich in
history, rich in spirit, and rich in the town, which Chief Rich pointed out. He also noted that
what was really important was Ms. Smith’s longevity, noting that Chairman St. Vil pointed
out that longevity was an amazing thing these day. He stated that Ms. Smith has always been
a friend, noting that she has been a member and active responder of the Fire Company for a
number of years. He stated as the Gales Ferry Fire Chief he wanted to thank Ms. Smith for
her friendship, and for everything that she has done for the town. He stated not only has she
been an active participant in her community, but that she has been involved in his kids
activities as well, noting that he brought his kids this evening, and that he appreciated all that
she has done.
Town Councilor Tony Saccone, former Gales Ferry Fire Chief, humorously noted that it was
his understanding that Chief Rich brought Ms. Smith to tonight’s Town Council meeting to
talk about radios. However, he stated the real reason was not to discuss radios but to
recognize her incredible service to Ledyard. He stated although he wrote a few notes, that
what he was going to say this evening comes from the heart.
Councilor Saccone stated that Ms. Smith has spent over half of her life serving the Town of
Ledyard through the Ledyard Ambulance, Ledyard Fire Company, Gales Ferry Fire Company
and thirty-years as an Emergency 911 Dispatcher. He stated that Ms. Smith has seen
stressful atrocities that come into the 911 Dispatch Center. He explained when someone
calls Emergency 911 the Dispatcher visually could see the active scene. Whether it was a car
accident, and sone someone bleeding, or whatever it may be, the Dispatcher can visually see
what was going on. He stated the Emergency 911 Dispatchers hear children playing with
911; they hear gunshots and screams that pierced every nerve in their body, they hear the
voices of a crying baby that was just delivered. Councilor Saccone stated that all of us in this
room cannot imagine the crying, the yelling, the fear in the voices calling out for help for
someone who believed that it was the worst day of their lives, when they had to call
Emergency 911. He explained that the Communication Dispatchers were First Responders,
noting that every decision they make in the first few minutes to organize who has to go; the
Police, Fire, Ambulance would set the tone for the entire emergency; which included
protecting their First Responders who were on the scene. He stated for the Police, were they
going into an active scene; for the Fire Department, was there a fire with people trapped
and/or an Emergency Medical Call. He stated the Emergency 911 Dispatchers have to gain
control of the Caller while there were people yelling and screaming. He stated the Dispatcher
has to get the Caller’s attention, they have to get the location; and get the nature of the
emergency, noting that They get control of the Scene .
Councilor Saccone stated that he ran some numbers, noting for this year-to-date that the
Emergency 911 Dispatch Communication Center has handled about 30,000 interactive calls,
stating that based on the current trend the town would receive about 40,000 calls for the
calendar year. He stated during the thirty-years of services that Ms. Smith has been with the
