BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Commissioners will commemorate April as 911 National Education Month by honoring two County 911 telecommunicators for their exemplary leadership and distinguished and compassionate service to Broward residents.

Broward Commissioner Michael Udine will present this year's recipients with the Tom Gallagher Awards on Tuesday, April 16 at 10AM at the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 422, in Fort Lauderdale. 

The Tom Gallagher Awards pay tribute to emergency dispatchers. Mr. Gallagher dedicated his career to public safety as an emergency dispatcher and passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sept. 28, 2012 after more than 28 years in public service.  His memory and service are honored by the Broward County Commission with the annual Tom Gallagher Memorial Public Safety award.

This year's recipients are:

Sharon Owens (Coral Springs)

Owens has worked many high priority incidents as a dispatcher and can be counted on to remain calm while ensuring the safety of all parties on the phone or radio. In December 2023, she instructed a caller through CPR until rescue arrived on scene to take over, and more recently, she was the Tactical Fire Dispatcher for an active fire in the attic of an occupied home. Owens has proven herself an immense asset to the Coral Springs team, bringing a positive attitude with her to work every day. She is known as the go-to person to swap shifts with other members of her team when asked.

Sheri White (BSO)

A celebrated 30-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff's Office, White has worked her way through the ranks to her current position of Communications Site Manager. In that role, she was tasked with enhancing the training program to ensure that newly hired employees during the COVID-19 pandemic were expediently trained. Due to White's dedication to training, the division's turnover rate was reduced to less than 5%, an achievement that could not have been accomplished without her leadership. White demonstrates an unwavering commitment to BSO and embodies the true meaning of a team player. 

April 10, 2024