St. Louis County Dispatcher Honored During National Telecommunicators Week

Alex Bodin recognized as Emergency Communications Specialist of the Year

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:50pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a 911 emergency call button lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the critical role of emergency dispatchers in public safety.The harsh flash of a 911 call button captures the intensity and urgency of the dispatcher's life-saving work.Duluth Today

Alex Bodin, a 3-year emergency communications specialist at the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, was recently honored as the department's Emergency Communications Specialist of the Year. Bodin said he was emotional when he heard the news, adding that he works hard every day to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Why it matters

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week recognizes the critical role that dispatchers play in emergency response and public safety. Bodin's award highlights the dedication and skill of these essential workers, who often serve as the first point of contact for those in crisis.

The details

Bodin has handled a number of high-priority calls during his time as a dispatcher. He credited his coworkers for helping him through the challenging situations, saying 'It feels amazing, just the teamwork involved in it.' The department honored Bodin for his exceptional performance and commitment to serving the community.

  • Bodin has worked as an emergency communications specialist at the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office for 3 years.
  • Bodin was recently honored as the department's Emergency Communications Specialist of the Year.

The players

Alex Bodin

A 3-year emergency communications specialist at the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office who was recently honored as the department's Emergency Communications Specialist of the Year.

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that employs Bodin and recognized him for his exceptional performance as a dispatcher.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It feels like I'm doing something bigger than myself. I know a lot of people say that, but just knowing that I make a difference in someone's life in a positive way. Every day I come here, I have that opportunity to save someone's life is just such a big picture to me.”

— Alex Bodin, Emergency Communications Specialist

The takeaway

Bodin's award highlights the critical role that emergency dispatchers play in public safety and the difference they can make in people's lives. His dedication and teamwork-oriented approach serve as an inspiration for others in this essential profession.