This year, that honor went to Nicholas Cervantez, IT Systems Administrator III for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Riverside County is the fourth largest county in the State of California. The Sheriff's Department has over three thousand employees spread out over patrol, corrections, courts, dispatch, and a Coroner's Bureau.
You would be hard pressed to find a bureau or station within the department that has not been touched by some of Nick’s work. A department of this size would normally have an entire tech team supporting just dispatch. But Nick has routinely been tasked with being a team of one. Over the years Nick has become a trusted department-wide resource for almost all areas of technology. He is highly praised by both civilian and sworn managers and exudes an exceptional work ethic and commitment to the mission of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Recently I had an opportunity to talk to Nick about what he loves most about his work and what being recognized as PSAPs’ Finest Technician of the Year has meant to him.
What attracted you to a career in public safety communications?
Nick: Sheriff Tan and Green is in my blood. My father retired as a Lieutenant and my brother was a Chaplin. I was raised with this Department and am proud to be able to give my technical abilities to Riverside County Sheriff.
What is your most memorable career experience?
Nick: My career started with Riverside Sheriff long before I ever was hired by the department. I remember being in Junior High and helping Deputies at my father’s station with “tech guy” issues. Looking back, it was the clear and noble purpose of the Sheriff’s Office that drew me in.
What do you most love about what you do?
Nick: I enjoy connecting disparate systems, and integrating unknown or underutilized technologies to solve unique problems in unconventional ways.
What advice would you have for others thinking about a similar career path?
Nick: Bring your skills, bring your passion! Public Safety needs innovation and we need to exceed at what the public expects of us.
What does it mean to be recognized with a PSAP’s Finest Award?
Nick: I am honored and humbled to be recognized. I appreciate those who nominated me and the mentors who invested in my professional journey.
About the PSAPs’ Finest Awards
Know someone you’d like to nominate for a PSAPs’ Finest award? Nominations for the 2023 PSAPs’ Finest Awards are open now! Winners are recognized in nine categories:
- Director
- Line Supervisor
- Technician
- Trainer
- Telecommunicator
- Innovator
- PSAP of the Year
- Above & Beyond
- Lifetime Achievement
The PSAPs’ Finest awards is an annual recognition program for emergency communications (ECC) professionals. Since their inception, NICE’s PSAPs’ Finest Awards have recognized hundreds of dedicated emergency communications professionals. The program is open to all PSAPs, whether or not they are customers of NICE. An independent judging panel reviews and rates each nomination based on the individual’s or team’s contributions to their agencies and communities.
To submit a nomination for any of the PSAPs' Finest Awards categories or to read about previous winners, simply visit the PSAPs' Finest website. Nominations can be submitted online through June 1, 2023.
Questions regarding the 2023 PSAPs' Finest Awards can be directed to PSInfo@NICE.com.