Police dispatcher Deena Clark

Police dispatcher Deena Clark gets city longevity award

The City Council celebrated Olney Police Dispatcher Deena Clark with accolades and a crystal trophy at its June 13 meeting in recognition of her 30 years of service as the person who “the community has come to know, trust and love” as they navigate emergencies.

Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck thanked Clark in a short speech for “30 years of service during which you have made a remarkable contribution to the police department and the City of Olney.”

“You have been the calm, steady voice on the other end of 911 calls when people are experiencing their worst,” Birbeck told her. “Likewise, when officers are on dangerous calls or on pursuits or trying to arrest a violent offender they have come to trust that you will remain calm and send the needed help as you are ever-vigilant to our radio calls for assistance.”

Clark said then-Olney Police Chief Cliff Blackstock, who attended the Council meeting, persuaded her to come work as a part-time dispatcher in December 1990. Seven months later, Blackstock convinced her to take a full-time post, she said.

“I’d like to thank several people,” she said. “The current mayor, past mayor, City Council, past City Councilmembers, Chief [Birbeck] and my team over here. Once again, I thank everybody so much.”

Mayor Rue Rogers added his congratulations. “Thank you for the many years of service and your dedication to the City of Olney and to the police department,” Rogers said.