Interim E911 Director, Shandel Graham is the first E911 telecommunicator in our area to earn Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification. The course, which takes place at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC), is designed to teach E911 telecommunicators through scenario-based exercises. The goal is to make sure each person knows how to deal with a variety of emergency situations, especially those involving individuals with mental health needs.

“I was excited to enroll in this course specifically designed for 911 Communication Officers,” says Graham. “I also wanted to position myself to be an advocate for the training. As Interim Director and President of the Georgia Terminal Agency Coordination Association (GATAC), I wanted to be able to clearly communicate the benefits of this course.

As a leader, I pride myself in leading by example. When it comes to our work, I will not ask my team to do anything that I would not do. By being one of the first in the state to complete this training, I am communicating to my team: it is great to be a trailblazer! We plan to get all our telecommunicators CIT certified, and now I will be better equipped to offer encouragement, support, and understand the demands of having to balance work while training.”