Jefferson County Dispatcher Wins State Award

Grace Cole recognized for her role in a high-profile murder investigation

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Grace Cole, a 911 operator with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, was awarded the 2025 ISA Telecommunicator of the Year award at the Illinois Sheriff's Association Winter Conference Banquet in Springfield. She was also presented with the 2025 Sheriff's Office Telecommunicator of the Year Award for her excellent work handling a 911 call and communications during the Finney murder investigation, which assisted in a quicker apprehension of the offender and recovery of the victim.

Why it matters

The awards highlight the critical role that 911 dispatchers play in supporting law enforcement and helping to resolve high-stakes criminal cases. Grace Cole's recognition is a testament to the professionalism and skill of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office communications team.

The details

According to Sheriff Jeff Bullard, the awards were a result of Grace Cole's excellent work handling the 911 call and communications during the Finney murder investigation, which assisted in a quicker apprehension of the offender and recovery of the victim. This was the highlight of Grace's great work all year.

  • Grace Cole was awarded the 2025 ISA Telecommunicator of the Year award on Monday night at the Illinois Sheriff's Association Winter Conference Banquet in Springfield.
  • Grace Cole was also presented with the 2025 Sheriff's Office Telecommunicator of the Year Award.

The players

Grace Cole

A 911 operator with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office who was recognized for her excellent work handling a high-profile murder investigation.

Jeff Bullard

The sheriff of Jefferson County, who stated that the awards were a result of Grace Cole's great work all year.

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What they’re saying

“This marks the 6th time in the past seven years that a sheriff's office employee has been recognized for outstanding work by a state organization.”

— Jeff Bullard, Sheriff (wmix94.com)

The takeaway

The recognition of Grace Cole's work highlights the critical role that 911 dispatchers play in supporting law enforcement and helping to resolve high-stakes criminal cases. Her award is a testament to the professionalism and skill of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office communications team.