BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Bakersfield Police Department is pleased to announce that the BPD Dispatcher of the Year for 2008 is Rachelle Cooper.

Rachelle Cooper has been with the City of Bakersfield since 2001 when she was hired as a clerk typist. In July 2004 she was appointed Police Dispatcher I.

In January 2009 she was promoted to her current position, Police Dispatcher II. She is currently a trainer and acting supervisor in the Bakersfield Police Communications Center.

During 2008, Rachelle Cooper received several commendations including special recognition for her performance during an officer involved shooting. She was the primary dispatcher during the incident where Officer Dennis Eddy was shot and critically wounded.

Throughout this very intense and emotional incident, she remained focused and composed. "Rachelle possesses the qualities that are important in emergency dispatching. She is calm, composed, and focused, regardless of the situation”, said Terrye Steiner, BPD Communications Center Supervisor.

Rachelle Cooper, along with seven other dispatchers from other Kern County Public Safety Agencies, will be honored at a banquet on Friday, April 17, 2009 at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.