BERLIN — A Maryland State Police civilian employee at the Berlin barrack last week was named the 2014 Police Communications Supervisor of the Year.
MSP Berlin Barrack Police Communications Supervisor Brenda Kelly was one of two sworn officers and two civilian employees across the state recognized for contributions to law enforcement by Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William Palozzi last Friday. Kelly has served as the MSP Berlin barrack’s Police Communications Supervisor for the last 17 years.
“These troopers and police communications operators represent the very best of more than 2,100 sworn and civilian employees who provide outstanding public safety services to the people of Maryland every day,” said Palozzi. “I commend them for their commitment to public service and am proud to serve with them as we work together to protect our citizens.”
According to Palozzi, Kelly has continually demonstrated diligence and dedication during her 17-year career as Police Communications Supervisor at the MSP Berlin barrack. She leads by example as she supervises five police communications operators including one who is in training.
It is difficult to fulfill the roles of both supervisor and communications operator, a task Kelly reportedly handles with aplomb. According to the MSP, Kelly executes each role with great professionalism and maintains calm under pressure while being able to multi-task effectively.
In 2014, the Maryland State Police completed the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) and gained national recognition. The MSP Berlin barrack was consulted extensively during the process. Kelly was essential to the process and its successes by providing her knowledge of police communications topics to CALEA.
“When the need arises, PCS Kelly possesses the ability to work through difficult decisions that affect her team and she is quick to make adjustments that benefit the PCOs as well as the troopers,” said Palozzi. “She was commended for the outstanding example she sets as a motivator, leader, problem solver and employee of the Maryland State Police.”
Also honored was Trooper First-Class Scott Bell of the McHenry barrack, 2014 Trooper of the Year; Corporal Gregg Harrington of the Employees Services Section and the department’s military liaison, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year; and PCO Gary Swanner of the Centreville barrack, 2014 Police Communications Operator of the Year.