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Dana Sanders 2024 Communications Officer of the Year
DWR celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) operates a round-the-clock communications center tasked with dispatching DWR Conservation Police Officers (CPO), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Law Enforcement Rangers, and DWR Biologists. In addition, the Communications Center often functions as a bridge between DWR CPOs and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, first responders, and natural resource agencies.
“In 2024, dispatchers handled close to 67,000 calls for service including more than 1,200 to assist other agencies. That was 5,000 more call than 2023,” said Communications Manager Nancy L. Morey. “This nimble team of 13 professionals is always there to answer the call and serve the residents of the Commonwealth and protect Virginia’s natural resources.”
In 2024, Dana Sanders was there to answer the call, 2,840 of them to be exact. At the annual Virginia Conservation Police Awards ceremony held in March, Sanders was named 2024 Communications Officer of the Year in honor of her integrity, dedication, dependability, and impeccable work ethic.
“Communications Officer Sanders continually goes above and beyond in service to the Commonwealth, volunteering to cover open shifts and ensuring the call center is ready for any situation,” said DWR Law Enforcement Chief, Colonel John Cobb. “Her keen attention to detail is key to keeping officers safe in the field and her outstanding customer service helps constituents feel heard and understood.”
“The Communications Officers that jointly serve DCR and DWR are professionals and vital partners with DCR’s Law Enforcement Rangers in protecting DCR’s employees, over 8 million guests, and the important natural resources we protect every day,” said DCR Law Enforcement Chief Scott Vantrease. “We are honored to have such an exceptional Communications Officer on our team and congratulate Dana Sanders on this well-deserved recognition.”
Communications Officer Dana Sanders has been with DWR since 2018 and has more than 25 years of law enforcement dispatching experience. She is the Continuity of Operations Coordinator for the Communications Center and serves as an auxiliary trainer for the team.