Regardless of the type of emergency, virtually every one of them begins with someone dialing 911. In 2021, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Communications Center answered 527,050 phone calls from people seeking assistance in unincorporated King County and its contract cities. The Center never closes — its employees have been on the job throughout COVID-19, snow storms, forest fires, excessive heat, social protests, and more.

To recognize the great work that takes place in this important department, each year employees nominate and vote on their co-workers who best represent the professionalism and dedication required in their department. The 2021 honorees are:

• Garret Grobler — IT Specialist
• Camron Barth — Call Receiver
• Chris Condie — Dispatcher
• Neil Davis — Supervisor

Communications Specialist of the Year

Each year, management selects the Communications Specialist of the Year from the four category winners. After careful consideration, Chris Condie received the honor for 2021. Chris is a 33-year veteran of the Communications Center, recently celebrating that anniversary. Chris’ career at KCSO began in 1989 which, coincidentally, matches his operator number — 89!

When he’s not working, Chris gets out into the wilderness, hiking, climbing, and back-country skiing. The knowledge of local wilderness lands he gains from these experiences has been very useful for the Search and Rescue calls the Communication Center receives. Because there aren’t specific addresses, Chris’ knowledge of trails and landmarks has been crucial in tracking down lost hikers.

Job opportunities available

The KCSO Communications Center is now recruiting for the next Academy. No experience is necessary. Click here to see the job posting for this position or email KCSO911Outreach@kingcounty.gov for more information.