Chelsea played a critical role in multiple high-stakes incidents this year. On April 20, during an aggravated assault, robbery, child abuse, and kidnapping, she used her resourcefulness to coordinate with surrounding agencies, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Her communication and coordination ensured the suspects were apprehended and the child was safely recovered. In June 2024, Chelsea was involved in an officer-involved shooting (CR 2024-00119558), she demonstrated exemplary instincts by quickly notifying her supervisor of the caller’s concerning statements and dispatching Ofc. McIntosh and Ofc. Sauseda. When the officers were pinned down under gunfire, Chelsea maintained her composure, managing critical radio traffic for patrol units, surrounding SWAT teams, and other assisting agencies. Her ability to remain calm and organized was pivotal in resolving the situation. In addition to excelling during emergencies, Chelsea has taken on additional responsibilities, including completing quarterly DAVID audits with proficiency and serving as a Communication Training Officer to mentor new hires. Her passion for her work, willingness to assist whenever needed, and commitment to continuous learning have also earned her the position of second-in-command for her shift. Chelsea Johnson consistently goes above and beyond in her role. Her professionalism, dedication to public safety, and ability to perform under pressure make her highly deserving of the Stellar Coin. Chelsea Johnson is one of the bright stars that we have in our Communication Center and above are only a couple examples of the hard work and dedication she strives for everyday.

On 1/27/2025 Jeanann Scott took a 911 call of a 3-day old infant requiring CPR. She remained calm, professional and provided clear instructions to assist the distraught family. Her ability to stay focused on the call and provide that calm voice of reassurance and authority was exceptional especially in light of the emotional impact of the situation. QA review of this call resulted in a 100% score noting that required information was obtained, documented correctly and appropriate instructions provided until responders were on-scene.

C.O. Hill exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and positivity in her role at the communications center. With over 20 years of service to the agency, she consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues and foster a collaborative environment. Her unwavering positive attitude and calm demeanor have a profound impact on those around her, helping others remain composed during high-pressure situations. C.O. Hill approaches every assignment with an open mind and a willingness to excel, regardless of the challenges involved. She is known for her reliability, rarely missing work, and for organizing shift celebrations that enhance team morale. Her contributions reflect her deep care for the citizens of Harris County, her coworkers, and the deputies she supports, making her a true “Silent Hero” within the communications center. C.O. Hill exemplifies professionalism, compassion, and excellence in her role as one of the Emergency Dispatch Center’s most skilled call-takers. Her ability to remain calm and composed during high-pressure calls ensures effective communication, even in the most chaotic situations. Beyond her technical expertise, C.O. Hill demonstrates remarkable care and support for her coworkers. For example, she provided critical assistance to a colleague experiencing medical emergencies by setting up their breathing machine, ensuring their comfort in a quiet space, and staying with them until emergency services arrived. She also took thoughtful steps to organize their belongings for family retrieval. C.O. Hill’s dedication to both her team and the citizens she serves highlights her invaluable contributions to the center, making her a beacon of positivity and professionalism within the organization.

Since beginning his career in October 2021, Ignacio Zenteno has made a remarkable impact on the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatch Center. He consistently demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude in every aspect of his role. Ignacio approaches each assignment with dedication and an open mind, excelling in his interactions with both the citizens of Harris County and his colleagues. His willingness to assist others, whether by answering questions or handling practical tasks like changing out the water cooler bottle, highlights his team-oriented mindset. Ignacio’s exemplary skills have even garnered recognition from patrol supervisors, who have requested him for permanent assignment to their districts. His contributions underscore his commitment to excellence and make him an invaluable asset to the Emergency Dispatch Center. On March 18, 2024, Communications Officer Ignacio Zenteno was assigned to the primary radio channel for District 4. At approximately 22:00 hours, he began his shift and quickly noticed a family disturbance call that had been holding for some time. Demonstrating initiative, Ignacio requested central dispatch to contact the reporter for updates. The female caller confirmed that the disturbance was ongoing and that she was still waiting for police assistance. Shortly thereafter, a unit was dispatched and arrived on the scene, where the caller reported that her husband, who had been acting violently since the previous day, was inside the residence with their teenage daughter and had barricaded himself. The male subject was reportedly on medication for depression and anxiety. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Ignacio acted swiftly and decisively. He immediately dispatched additional units to assist the responding deputy, ensured a patrol supervisor was sent to the scene, and coordinated with central dispatch to have an ambulance on standby. Ignacio also alerted Watch Command supervisors to facilitate SWAT deployment. Thanks to his quick thinking and calm demeanor under pressure, SWAT arrived promptly and successfully resolved the incident without injury to anyone involved. Ignacio’s exceptional response and ability to remain composed during this high-stress event ensured the safety of all parties and prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating further. His dedication to supporting deputies in the field and ensuring clear communication exemplifies outstanding service.