Our agency although small .. maximum of 36 employees are the McKinley County (NM) Metropolitan Dispatch Authority Telecommunicators and Staff. Our agency has been celebrating Telecommunicators Week annually by raising funds for a "Formal Telecommunicators Banquet" honoring our local employees. In addition to the Telecommunicator of the Year and Line Supervisor of the Year Award, we also honour the following:

• Horizon Award - Telecommunicator w/under 2 years of experience showing alot of intiative and promise.
• Team or Shift of the Year - Telecommunicators & Supervisor showing extreme team work and respect to one another.
• Metro Award - Anyone outside or inside that promotes our agency in a positive or optimistic way.
• Award of Excellence - Metro employee that shows alot of loyalty, dependability, intiative and goes beyond their duties sometimes above.

All the award recepients receive a nice jacket with the letters "MCMDA - E-911 "The First-First Responders" on the back (embroidered) then their titles/awards on the left side and the "911" patch on the right side. In addition to a plaque for their award & certificate. Also during this time do award the "Length of Service" for each employee and those w/under a year experience issued a lapel pin displaying a 'Star w/heart' symbol. Really nice. In addition to the above, depending on fundraising funds try to have all employees attend at no charge, 911 boardmembers and Award Recipients (their guest)at no charge. Otherwise outside attendees have to pay a $25.00 per person fee. Which normally includes a prime rib dinner, some sort of entertainment, awards presentation and then finally a dance until midnight.