West Carrollton resident Tracy Rankin was awarded the Exemplary Service Award recently for upgrading the police department’s dispatch system and uniform crime reporting system. The award has not been given since 2006

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“It was quite a surprise,” said Rankin, 35. “We had a ceremony for the people receiving the awards and their families. I enjoy going to work and doing my job and to me that’s enough, so I felt very honored.”

Rankin has worked as an administrative assistant for five years, and worked with the police department eight years.

The department’s records management system also includes the dispatch system. All calls are entered into the system and the calls are dispatched from there.

“We were on an older version that wasn’t as user friendly; I was in charge of the upgrade with a few other people (Officer Nathan Biggs and dispatcher Hyla Fyffe-Zinn),” Rankin said. “Dispatch and officers are able to sort through the information much more quickly now. It was a very time consuming project, and we did a lot of modifications for the officers.”

The upgrade is continual and been a year-long project, often requiring extra hours. Rankin wrote manuals, and organized and led training efforts.

“Officers (spend) less time doing their paperwork and it gives them more time for patrolling and being out in the field,” Rankin said. “The quicker you can get it done, the better you can help people. I also customized the report so we can evaluate the calls for neighborhood watch group or any specific area.”

How she got involved in the police department: “My dad is retired from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office, so there is a law enforcement history in my background. I grew up in Miamisburg so it’s always been close.”

What actions she performed: “I started as a dispatcher and it was a six-month process before I got the position. I like a challenge and (moving to an administrative assistant) was an opportunity for additional knowledge.”

Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “Anything I can do that I feel helps anyone. I used to be on the front line and dealt with the community. Now I support members of the police department. I was able to make their jobs easier and that is very satisfying.”

Most memorable moment of service: “Working in this particular field has opened my eyes to all kinds of things that go on.”