Toronto Honours Its First Responders Behind the Scenes During 9-1-1 Telecommunicators Week

TORONTO – The City of Toronto is shining a well-deserved spotlight on the often-unsung heroes of emergency response—its 9-1-1 telecommunicators. As part of the annual 9-1-1 Telecommunicators Week, Mayor Olivia Chow joined leaders from Toronto Police, Toronto Paramedic Services, and Toronto Fire Services in honouring the recipients of the City’s 2025 Telecommunicator of the Year Awards.

Observed this year from April 14 to 18, the week recognizes the critical role emergency telecommunicators play in connecting residents to vital services during some of life’s most urgent moments.

“These telecommunicators are the calm and reliable voices behind every 9-1-1 call,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “We owe them a great debt of gratitude and praise for the important and essential work they do.”

Honouring Excellence in Emergency Communications

This year’s award winners include individuals and teams from across the city’s emergency services:

• Nadia Sidhu, Toronto Police Service – Communications Operator of the Year
  Recognized for her composure and teamwork during a high-risk call involving an injured officer.

• Shawn Mascarenhas, Toronto Police Service – Member Impact Award
  Known for his compassion and mentorship, this award honours the memory of Kim Ferris, a beloved member of Communications Services.

• Valerie Lundy, Toronto Police Service – Coach of the Year
  Celebrated for her commitment to training new operators and fostering a resilient learning environment.

• Simon Kako, Toronto Paramedic Services – Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year
  Acknowledged for his leadership and professionalism, especially in guiding new colleagues through the complexities of dispatching.

• Andra Milosav, Toronto Paramedic Services – Call Taker of the Year
  Honoured for her empathy, steady demeanour, and consistent excellence in supporting callers.

• Lindsay Hunt, Toronto Paramedic Services – Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher Leadership Award
  Applauded for creating a collaborative and empowering workplace culture.

• Dean Prosser, Toronto Paramedic Services – Communications Training Officer Mentor Award
  Recognized for his dedication to mentorship and commitment to safety and education.

• Toronto Fire Services Communications Team (July 16, 2024 Shift) – Telecommunicator of the Year Team Award
  Commended for their exceptional performance during a major weather emergency that led to widespread flooding, power outages, and over 1,700 calls in one shift.

Leaders Praise City’s Hidden First Responders

Toronto’s emergency service chiefs all paid tribute to the quiet professionalism of their teams.

“We are deeply grateful for their commitment and proud to serve alongside them,” said Fire Chief Jim Jessop.

Paramedic Services Chief Bikram Chawla added, “You truly make a difference every day.”

“Our emergency telecommunicators are the backbone of our emergency response system,” said Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, calling this year’s recipients “the best of the best.”

As Toronto continues to grow and evolve, so too does the role of its emergency telecommunicators. With more than three million residents and a reputation as one of North America’s most dynamic cities, Toronto relies on this dedicated group to keep its people safe.

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