Longtime Hillsboro police dispatcher honored at August council meeting
Hillsboro Police Chief Todd Whited opened Hillsboro City Council's August meeting by honoring 30-year dispatcher Sharon Bell, who retired from the police department at the end of July.
Whited presented Bell with her badge, nameplate and patch from the city.
Bell received a standing ovation from council members, administrators and citizens in attendance.
Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings thanked Bell for her service.
"Thirty years is a long time, and you did it all without a piece of bulletproof glass in front of you like a lot of places do nowadays," Hastings said.
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Hastings also asked Bell if she remembered her "first big call that came in."
"The first night out was the worst night," Bell said. "I thought, if I get out of here, I'm never coming back.
"I've had the opportunity to work with a bunch of good men and women within my department, the city, the court and the sheriff's department. I appreciate giving me the opportunity to have 30 years of service."
A retirement party for Bell is planned for Aug. 22 from 3-6 p.m. at the Hillsboro Fire Department Community Room. Hastings said that the city will present her with a plaque at her party.
"Enjoy what will be a well-deserved retirement," council president Lee Koogler told Bell.