Harvey County dispatcher named Telecommunicator of the Year

THIS STORY RAN IN THE KANSAN ON JUNE 26, 2008

Brody Flavin, 22, of Newton wants to be a police officer or a firefighter.

While he is making up his mind, he is earning distinction as a 911 dispatcher.

Flavin recently was recognized by the Association of Public Communications Officials as the 2007 Telecommunicator of the Year for his work on a three-county chase of a suspect that forced sheriff A.J. Wuthnow off the road in September.

Courtney Becker, director of communications, said Flavin was calm under pressure during his first police pursuit. Flavin had to think fast and coordinate between multiple agencies.

“I think he did a really good job. I am proud of him. He performed well during a really stressful and long event. Those events can be really stressful events. He and his partners did a great job,” Becker said.

A tape of Flavin’s 911 call was submitted to a committee for review.

Flavin said his greatest concern was getting help for Wuthnow, whose vehicle landed in a ditch during the chase. Wuthnow was taken to a local hospital but was released a short time later and has had no lasting effects from the accident.

“I heard the sheriff wrecked,” Flavin said. “ I was concerned he might be seriously injured in the wreck. I wanted to get help out to him as quickly as possible. My greatest concern was that my sheriff may have been injured.”

Craig Kelly, the suspect in the case, was arrested in Park City.

He pleaded no contest earlier this month to one count of felony attempting to flee and elude a law enforcement office, one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

Kelley’s sentencing is set for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 18.

Flavin has worked for 911 for three years. He said he thought it would be a good way to get experience in law enforcement.

His father used to be a Newton firefighter, and he grew up listening with interest to the emergency scanner.

Flavin said he really likes his job.

“I am able to keep up and learn and talk to people and keep people cool and collected on the phone. There is a lot of learning on the job. It is a challenge,” Flavin said.

He said he really looks forward to the laid-back calls — kids who call in because they have had a fight with their sister or people with strange questions.

Flavin works the overnight shift.

He got a call one night about 3 a.m. asking about an eclipse.

Flavin tried to explain to the woman how the eclipse worked and ease her fears.

“At the end of the call, she asked me if the world was coming to an end, and I said, ‘I guess not,’” Flavin said.