Public safety honors Barbara Conrad-Koperski

Public Safety’s Barbara Conrad-Koperski was recognized by UNO/UNMC Public Safety Dispatch as the Dispatcher of the Year as the department marked National Telecommunicators Week from April 11-17.

Nominators praised Conrad-Koperski as “steady and diligent,” “consistent and reliable” and “the first to volunteer to stay late, or pick up an extra shift if it helps her team.”

Nominators pointed to an incident in which Conrad-Koperski received a phone call from an out-of-town couple coming to UNMC for a complicated surgical procedure.

The wife had concerns about where to park and was anxious in general. Conrad-Koperski took the time to reassure her and added that she could call back at any time if she needed more information or help getting to the med center.

Conrad-Koperski is National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and Communications Training Officer (CTO) certified and is actively involved in the training program.

“Barb is a true first-first responder,” said Chief Charlotee Evans, assistant vice chancellor of public safety for UNMC and UNO. “She cares. No matter how many tough calls that come in a day, she still models professionalism and empathy.”