Jennifer Wherley, supervisor, Southwest Regional Communications Center in DeSoto, Texas, has been named the Texas APCO Supervisor of the Year for 2017. Wherley was presented with the award during an April 11 presentation.

The public safety telecommunicators whom Wherley supervise — they affectionately refer to her as “Jrod” — explained why she deserved the recognition.

“Her kind and patient disposition makes her so easy to want to be around. She encourages us every day and makes us strive to be our best,” said Devin Husted.

“She always has a positive spin on any negative outlook and that definitely trickles down to her shift. She is extremely encouraging and makes others around her want to work even harder, explained Natasha Zuniga.

“She is very honest, makes us on her shift feel like one big family, a great teacher and one who loves to take the time to show each person a new or correct way if they are willing to learn,” added Nick Blanco.

Rachael Ward also praised Wherley’s leadership skills, teaching and patience. But she did find one flaw in her mentor: “The only flaw she has is the fact that she would never boast about her accomplishments or her way of supervising so this is why she deserves this.”