The Grays Harbor Communications Center in Aberdeen, the local 911 emergency dispatcher, has recognized its 2016 Telecommunicators of the Year.

The Team Award for Handling of a Critical Incident went to Wendy Richey, Krystal Eastham, Heather Cowsert and Sarah Saunders, based on their efforts during an assault that occurred last year.

Eastham also was named Telecommunicator of the Year for Sustained Performance.

Megan Hamilton was honored as Telecommunicator of the Year for Handling of a Critical Incident, for her efforts involving a lost hiker in December.

“It takes a special person to be able to handle the work of a telecommunicator,” said Brenda Cantu, executive director of the Grays Harbor Communications Center. “The dedication and passion required in order to handle the stress, shift work and the demanding pace is unprecedented.”