Wright selected as Defense Logistics Agency Emergency Communication Center Operator of the Year

Melody Wright, lead emergency services dispatcher, Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management, San Joaquin, Security and Emergency Services Branch, was selected as the 2023 DLA Emergency Communication Center Operator of the Year.

Wright established herself as a valuable point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders regarding operations involving the Emergency Communications Center. Her extensive knowledge and ability to accomplish assigned duties efficiently and effectively led to her promotion to lead emergency dispatcher.

"Her multiple examples of excellence, dedication, and willingness to do all that she can for the betterment of DLA Installation Management at San Joaquin as a whole, and DLA as an Agency is greatly appreciated," said Jonathan Mathews, site director, DLA Installation Management, San Joaquin. "She illustrated and exemplified the true meaning of teamwork and selflessness in the performance of her duties, and outside community involvement,"

She expertly handled more than 2,500 calls for service while providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. She was responsible for vetting more than 18,000 visitors and commercial truck traffic to the installation, resulting in the denial of 103 visitors not meeting entry requirements.

Her drive to put the dispatch center in the forefront was evident with her contributions for the center receiving 100 percent compliance during the combined DLA Security and Emergency Services and DLA Distribution Security Program Review for Controlled Area and Key Control requirements. Additionally, Wright developed an enhanced standard operating procedure for notification by leveraging the AtHoc notification system reducing notification times by 200 percent and ensuring consistency with notifications for the installation.

Going above and beyond, she collaborated with the Department of Justice to conduct the Triennial California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System audit consisting of coordination with DLA Information Operations and DLA Installation Management at San Joaquin's Security Management Branch and Facilities and Engineering resulting in 100 percent compliance.

Dedicated to the mission, she developed innovative work-arounds regarding staffing shortages by creating a dispatch duty schedule that effectively covered vacant shifts. Further, she created an updated training program, which has proven to be a more effective tool to accurately train, enable, and empower new dispatchers. She developed comprehensive quick response checklists for various emergency scenarios, providing dispatchers with an efficient and accessible reference tool for prompt action.

Wright's work ethic and drive is impeccable. Within her first year of employment, she completed Telecommunicator 1 and 2, 911, Hazardous Material, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation training.

She also gives back to the installation community with her participation as a member of the Post Restaurant Civilian Welfare Fund council. She devotes her time to participate in morale-building events for the installation workforce.