10/03/2026
We’re not crying, YOU’RE crying!
……. okay, maybe we’re crying a little as well.
This week’s 2026 Fall Oregon APCO NENA Conference and awards banquet was a little bittersweet for our CCOM family.
On Wednesday evening, public safety telecommunications professionals from across the state were recognized with state awards for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the profession. We were incredibly proud to see three members of our CCOM family among those recognized.
🏆 Beth Spreadborough — Manager of the Year
Beth’s dedication to our employees, our agency, and the public safety communications profession is something we are incredibly proud of. This award is a well-deserved recognition of the leadership and commitment she brings to CCOM every day.
🏆 Kayla Brenner — Telecommunicator of the Year
As one of our Shift Leaders, Kayla consistently demonstrates the professionalism, dedication, and commitment that define an exceptional telecommunicator. We are proud to see her accomplishments recognized at the state level.
🏆 Cheryl Bledsoe — Lifetime Achievement Award
And then there was a moment that was both incredibly special and difficult.
Our late Director, Cheryl Bledsoe, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extraordinary career and the lasting impact she made on public safety communications. Cheryl’s accomplishments reached far beyond Clackamas County. Her leadership and contributions were recognized at the county, state, and national levels.
Accepting this very special award on Cheryl’s behalf were her surviving husband, son, and daughter. Having them there to receive this recognition for Cheryl made the evening especially meaningful for all of us.
There is something incredibly powerful about seeing the work of someone you loved and respected continue to be recognized even after they are gone. Cheryl left an incredible legacy in public safety, and we are honored to have been part of it.
Congratulations to Beth, Kayla, Cheryl and all of the 2026 award recipients! Every nomination and every award represents countless hours of dedication to a profession that often happens behind the scenes but makes an enormous difference in the lives of others.
We are proud of our people, proud of our profession, and especially proud to carry Cheryl’s legacy forward. 💛
Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners!