Charly Jones is recipient of the latest award
The recipient of the Salem Police Department’s Telecommunicator of the Year Award is a veteran employee who takes pride in leading by example. Charly Jones was voted this honor by her fellow 911 communicators for her outstanding contributions to the department in 2018.
“I try to stay positive, and I know that this department cannot run properly unless you have a cohesive team and an atmosphere of helping one another,” Jones said. “We are constantly trying to build each other up to create a stronger dispatch center that ultimately benefits the citizens.”
Jones was recently promoted to Senior Communicator in the 911 Center and she says working in emergency services, where you are often helping people when they need assistance the most, has always been her professional goal.
“God opened this door for me and once I got in here this job became my passion,” she said. “I am very humbled by this award, and I hope to have a long career doing this type of work.”
Charly Jones
The Salem native was nominated for her strong work ethic and positive attitude. Her co-workers credit her demeanor and optimism for keeping morale in the 911 Center at a high level throughout the year. In addition, Jones made several notable efforts to enhance training practices and recertification procedures for employees in 2018.
“It has been a pleasure to observe Charly progress through her career,” says Derek Weeks, Salem Police Department Major. “She continually strives to foster a positive working environment in a difficult profession and she is deserving of this honor.”
Jones is a 2002 Salem High School graduate who worked with the Vinton Volunteer Rescue Squad as an EMT before joining the Salem Police Department in 2010.
“You have to learn how to compartmentalize your day because it can be detrimental to your family, if you take it home,” she said. “The outcomes may not always be what we want when we receive a 911 call, but we do our best to help others and make our community a better place.”
- Submitted by Mike Stevens, City of Salem Communications Director
