Our Nominate a Hero program has evolved into the Hero Awards, in collaboration with the with the ENGAGE Awards.
Now featuring 10 new categories designed to recognize even more individuals, along with entire agencies, user groups, and teams for their incredible work!
A team or user group that leverages CentralSquare’s tools and features to its fullest potential
A team or user group that has embraced modernization to transform its operations
A group that has developed creative solutions, making a positive impact in its community
An agency or user group whose feedback and collaboration has shaped CentralSquare’s product design or user experience
A customer or user group that exemplifies strong collaboration and partnership
An individual whose dedication and performance in first response go above and beyond
An individual who has made a lasting, positive impact on their community
An individual who leads, uplifts, and guides others through their example and support
An individual whose attitude and determination inspires others around them to make a positive impact
An individual who has dedicated their livelihood to serving and helping others
Personalized social media kit to share with your audience
In 2025-2026, you helped nominate more than 140 Hero-Grade customers, each recognized for their unique contributions to their community, whether in local government or public safety.
Of these nominees, we were thrilled to award over 20 outstanding customers with the Nominate a Hero award.
Meet our Nominate a Hero Honorees:

Heidi went above and beyond by helping guide her agency through a project involving 10 neighboring law enforcement agencies. Her dedication and positive mindset helped build a stronger communication structure that improved public safety services across her community.

What makes Doris truly exceptional is not just what she delivers, but how she delivers it — with determination and a collaborative spirit that lifts everyone around her. Her steady presence and thoughtful approach make a real difference in the work she does and the people she supports.

Gary serves his community with unwavering determination. He shows up every day for the people around him, bringing strength and hope to his agency and the community he serves.

At just 20 years old, Madilynn is fully signed off as a dispatcher for law enforcement, fire, and EMS. She brings calm to chaos, offering reassurance on every call and strengthening emergency response for her team and community.

Herman played a critical role as the technical lead during Tulsa’s EAM implementation. Through his tireless dedication, he helped guide the transition to a more modern, efficient way of working, leaving a lasting impact on his team and agency.

Michael delivered the extraordinary by securing the largest grant funding for his agency, opening the door to advanced technology that transformed its capabilities and broadened its impact. With a strong focus on team and community, he leads in a way that creates lasting change.

Marcus continuously goes above and beyond to help residents in his community. Marcus resolves any issue he’s faced with, always putting his community first in his decision-making. He inspires others in his department to continue to rise to any challenge and deliver lifesaving service.

Captain Wilson sets the bar at her fire department by always giving 100% to her teammates and residents. Through her professionalism and compassion, she inspires everyone around her to put their community first.

Chief Brown constantly rises to the challenge while being humble, collaborative, and solution oriented. He bridges gaps between responders, leadership, and system administrators – improving overall dispatch coordination and interoperability.

Brandy goes above and beyond to bring together seven agencies together through her meticulous communications center management. She takes ownership and encourages constant collaboration across the 7 agencies she works with.

Sergeant Gatza stepped up to serve his community as the Law Enforcement Project Lead across 6 police departments. He continues to go above and beyond his assigned responsibilities, strengthening cross-agency coordination and protecting his community.

Suzanne’s leadership at her municipality has helped modernize technology, improve cybersecurity, and protect the critical systems that support Police, Fire, Utilities, and Emergency Management. Through her strong leadership, she builds a stronger community and improves resident experience.

Belinda displays exceptional leadership and commitment to her agency, significantly reducing staffing challenges on the 911 team and creating an environment that excites people to go to work every day.

Recognized for his resilience while enduring unimaginable hardship, and his fervent dedication to suicide and mental health awareness, inspiring others to around him to end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Recognized for his leadership and resilience through difficult staffing challenges and continuous advocacy for his staff – inspiring others around him to strive to make change.

Chief Wassman is recognized as a true leader who is always willing to listen to others and support his team, showcasing the importance of kindness and standing together to serve others.

With almost two decades of service, Daniel is recognized as someone who continuously goes above and beyond his duties to support his team and community.

Deanna is recognized for being the backbone to her community and someone who lives by “be kind”, always going above and beyond to strengthen her small-town community

As a dispatcher, Sean uses his courage and expertise to act proactively and help save lies – reminding us how vital dispatchers are as the first line of defense in first responders

Russ makes significant contributions to his community through his resilience and dedication, across critical moments from a CAD rebuild to physically building a communications center.

We’re excited to give even more individuals, agencies, and teams the chance to be recognized.
Nominations for the new Hero Awards are now open.
Deadline for submissions: February 19
Recipients will be chosen on a bi-annual basis.
Questions?
Reach out to Jennifer.Zhao@centralsquare.com or Meagan.McAlexander@centralsquare.com
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