- November 26, 2024
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Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Megan Burton has been selected as the Florida Sheriffs Association’s 2024 Dispatcher of the Year.
The FSA award is presented to the telecommunicator who has demonstrated exceptional service in the line of duty, according to a post on FCSO's Facebook page. Burton, a communications specialist first class, has worked at the FCSO since 2015 and earned her rank through her professionalism and dedication to service at the FCSO.
Burton was presented her award at the FSA Winter Conference on Jan. 29. In a video put together by the FSA, Burton said she was never interested in being a part of law enforcement.
“I just remember being terrified for the first, I don’t know, three years,” Burton said. “But it’s also one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I can’t picture myself every doing anything other than this.”
In July 2023, Burton took a call where a woman’s husband had collapsed while doing yard work. Burton walked the woman through performing CPR on the man, actions that successfully saved the man’s wife, the post said.
“I’m glad that he made it and that they still have each other,” Burton said in the video.
Burton also serves as a communications training officer, teaching her trainees various and creative strategies to train, the post said. Sheriff Rick Staly said Burton consistently exhibits professional work performance and extraordinary dedication to her role.
“Her calm demeanor has helped countless callers during times of distress, her attention to detail has helped keep our deputies safe and her dedication to helping others has allowed new dispatchers to develop their careers,” Staly said. “Flagler County is lucky to have her.”