SOUTHWEST AREA "EXCELLENCE IN DISPATCHING"

• The SWA "Excellence in Dispatching" Award was created in 1988 to acknowledge the contributions Al Bell, a Southwest Area Coordinator, made to the Dispatch and Coordination system during his years of service. Al set an example as a Dispatcher and Coordinator in the Southwest Area that is recognized today as the standard of excellence in professional dispatching and coordination.  In addition, his personal bearing and professional conduct established a high benchmark for interpersonal and general office relationships.  Al retired from the U. S. Forest Service the same year. A recipient of this award should be someone who most closely exhibits the same attributes Al exhibited.  Nominees may be from any agency and any level of the Dispatch or Coordination system in the Southwest Area. The award is presented annually at the Southwest Area Dispatchers Workshop.

SOUTHWEST AREA "ROOKIE OF THE YEAR"

• The SWA "Rookie of the Year" is given annually to an individual in their first year within the SWA dispatch coordination system, recognizing them for their willingness to learn, ability to be flexible, good working relationship internally and externally, and for overall perfomance of their job with excellence and professionalism.  This individual would also be known as a "keeper!".
  

SOUTHWEST AREA " DISPATCH SUPPORT"

• The SWA "Dispatch Support" Award is given annually to an individual (outside of the dispatch office) who willingly comes onboard to help out in the dispatch coordination system. These individuals generally consist of agency retirees and/or private individuals fully qualified to work within the dispatch coordination system.