A Helena 911 dispatcher is drawing recognition from a state agency for work that extended well beyond the emergency communications center.

City Manager Lake highlighted at a recent Helena City Commission meeting that Montana Department of Environmental Quality officials recognized dispatcher Sheri Johnston for delivering conflict and crisis deescalation training to DEQ staff. DEQ Deputy Director James Far credited Johnston with providing "valuable insight into the psychology of crisis behavior" and equipping agency employees with practical deescalation tools.

Lake described the recognition as a reflection of the city's commitment to community service outside Helena's borders.