From left, Operations Manager Kenneth Terrill, Assistant Director Lauren Mielke, Lead Telecommunicator Philip Pattison, Telecommunicator Tyler Holmes, and Director Steve Hooke, as Pattison and Holmes were recognized during a Holbrook Select Board meeting on Aug. 20 for their extraordinary efforts. (Photo Courtesy Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center)
HOLBROOK — The Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center (HRECC) is proud to recognize two of its telecommunicators, Tyler Holmes and Lead Telecommunicator Philip Pattison, for their exemplary efforts during two recent high-pressure incidents.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, at 3:13 p.m., the HRECC received a 911 call transferred by Massachusetts State Police reporting that a woman in Rockland had gone into active labor inside a vehicle in a restaurant parking lot. Within seconds, the caller reported that the baby’s head had already appeared and that the infant was blue in color.
Telecommunicator Holmes, the primary 911 call taker on duty, immediately provided emergency medical dispatch instructions. He guided the caller to ensure the newborn’s airway was clear and confirmed the umbilical cord was not wrapped around the baby’s neck.
Less than two minutes into the call, the baby was fully delivered, and the sound of the newborn crying could be heard in the background of the 911 call. The father confirmed that the baby boy was healthy, and the mother and child were later cared for by Rockland Fire and Police personnel.
Holmes, who has been with the HRECC full-time for just over a year, was commended for his calm demeanor, professionalism, and ability to keep the caller reassured during a rare and high-stakes situation.
“While we receive many calls where people go into active labor, deliveries prior to responder arrival are few and far between,” said Assistant Director Lauren Mielke. “We are proud of the professionalism Telecommunicator Holmes displayed during this call and are proud to have him as part of the team.”
Two days later, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, Lead Telecommunicator Pattison played a crucial role in a multi-jurisdictional vehicle pursuit that began in East Bridgewater. The high-risk pursuit lasted more than 15 minutes, traveling through five towns and the City of Brockton.
East Bridgewater Police Sgt. Alton Voisine, who was directly involved in the incident, commended Pattison for his “extraordinary level of support and coordination.”
During the pursuit, which involved intelligence that a firearm was present in the suspect vehicle, Pattison maintained constant communication across multiple agencies and accurately tracked officers’ locations — even in areas unfamiliar to them — without the aid of GPS.
“Dispatcher Pattison’s performance went beyond the already elevated expectations for our communications personnel,” Sgt. Voisine wrote in a commendation recommendation letter. “His professionalism, situational awareness, and communication skills were instrumental in coordinating a safe and effective multi-agency operation under potentially life-threatening circumstances.”
Pattison, who has been with HRECC for two years, quickly advanced to the roles of Communications Training Officer and Lead Telecommunicator. He is known for his leadership, dedication, and fresh perspective on communications operations.
“Circumstances like this can go sideways in a matter of seconds and providing clear and concise information in real-time to responders is crucial,” said Assistant Director Mielke. “I was very proud to have seen this commendation in my inbox as it reinforces the strong work that HRECC members produce each and every day.”
The two telecommunicators were recognized with commendations during the Holbrook Select Board meeting on Aug. 20.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Tyler Holmes and Philip Pattison for their extraordinary efforts during these recent calls,” said HRECC Director Steve Hooke. “While we are highlighting their individual contributions, every call represents a true team effort, with many dispatchers working behind the scenes. Time and again, our team demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to public safety.”
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