(Washington, DC) The NG9-1-1 Institute, in conjunction with the Association of Public-Safety Communications-Officials (APCO) International, National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT), the National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA), the National Association of Emergency Dispatchers (NAED), 9-1-1 for Kids and the Congressional NG9-1-1 Caucus, presented Nikita Washington, Unified Call Taker (UCT) with the DC Office of Unified Communications (OUC) with their 2011 9-1-1 Professional Award. Ms. Washington will be honored during the 9th annual “9-1-1 Honors Gala” which will be held at the historic Union Station on March 27th at 7pm.

At the OUC, Nikita Washington, who is a Washington, DC native, fields calls for Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services as a UCT. During one very difficult call in 2011, Ms. Washington was instrumental in saving the caller’s life. In fact, she was able to determine the caller’s whereabouts solely by having the caller describe her surroundings. This kind of performance requires professionalism, superior customer service skills and resourcefulness.

“I am extremely proud of Ms. Washington, someone who has gone over and beyond the call of duty. She performed well under pressure, kept the caller calm, and helped direct first responders to a location where the victim had no idea where she was being held captive,” said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. “Because of her efforts and unyielding concern, a young lady is alive and well today.”

OUC Director Jennifer Greene said, “Nikita is the consummate professional. She utilized her call taking skills to save a life. I couldn’t be more proud of her for a job well done.”