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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer 

PELHAM – Stephanie Morris has been selected as the 2024 Dispatcher of the Year for the city of Pelham according to an official announcement released by the Pelham Police Department on Friday, April 19.

The announcement, which named Morris as the recipient of the award, praised the dispatcher for her professionalism and ability to maintain composure during the toughest of situations, including one specifically listed instance.

Morris, who began working with the Pelham Police Department in May of 2022 following her time with the Warrior Police Department, was the dispatcher on the line during the dramatic accident involving Pelham police officer Elizabeth Minter last summer.

On July 1, 2023 and still in her training phase, Minter was responding to the scene of a car accident that had taken place on Interstate 65 near exit 242, commonly known as the tank farm exit.

While diverting traffic, Minter was struck by a drunk driver traveling at approximately 80 mph, thrown across six lanes of traffic and seriously injured from the impact. What resulted was a long road of recovery that has involved multiple surgeries and physical therapy.

Morris’ work on the night of Minter’s accident aided in the quick response and police reaction to the accident and it was among the list of reasons she was selected for the recognition.

“She has been commended for consistently remaining calm, providing accurate information over the radio, managing stressful calls and maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace,” read the announcement from the Pelham Police Department.

Morris’ superior, Jeanie Davis, also commented that Morris exhibits dedication to her role by always arriving early and actively seeking opportunities toward self-improvement and personal development. Davis also said that Morris is supportive of the entire team and is always ready to lend assistance with questions and provide guidance to those in need.

“Thank you, Stephanie, for being the calm voice we all need when facing an emergency,” the announcement read. “We appreciate our entire public safety telecommunications team.”