FARMINGTON — Two former dispatchers and a new one were hired Tuesday to work at the Franklin County Communications Center.

Franklin County commissioners also voted to approve hiring two part-time reserve dispatchers.

Communications Director Stan Wheeler said oral boards were held Dec. 13, and 11 candidates were interviewed for three full-time dispatcher positions.

He recommended that former dispatchers Kyle Ellis and Mike Ryan, both of Wilton, be rehired. They are fully certified dispatchers and both trained in the dispatch systems.

He also recommended Michael Helie as a new dispatcher, with training to start Jan. 6. He would fill the utility position.

The previous utility dispatcher, Penny Cammferman, moved to a full-time dispatcher position.

The other two vacancies came about when Wheeler was appointed communications director in November. Dispatcher Janet Rackliff plans to retire Dec. 31 but is currently out on medical leave for a broken hip. She won’t return to work, Wheeler said.

Wheeler also proposed hiring Wendy Hentschel and Scott Baxter as part-time dispatchers.

Once Helie is on board, training will begin for him, Hentschel and Baxter, he said.

Wheeler also asked that commissioners designate the dispatch center as a regional communications center, since it has been operating that way, he said.

Commissioner Gary McGrane of Jay asked Wheeler to put something in writing so commissioners can review it and act on it.

Wheeler also informed commissioners that the state postponed installing the new generation of 911 equipment until March 12, 2014. It was previously supposed to be in February.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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