Nov. 28—A Lee County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher was honored last week as a hometown hero.
Austin Hardy was recognized at an awards ceremony at John Hiester Automotives in Fuquay Varina, according to a statement from Sheriff Brian Estes, who submitted the nomination.
He listed the reasons why he felt Hardy deserved to be named a Hometown Hero. Dispatchers take 911 calls, which gives them the first information from a caller about the emergency, Estes said. Consider the nature of the emergency, the location and any unsafe conditions.
“This information is critical for first responders in any situation, especially in a disaster,” Estes said.
He also cited her assistance with a Sheriff’s Office team dispatched to western North Carolina on September 29, just after rain from Hurricane Helene resulted in flooding, mudslides and road damage in the area.
“I have personally witnessed Austin working split shifts for many hours at a time, including all hours of the day and night,” Estes said.
“There were challenging conditions, including a total power outage and very limited resources. Austin never complained and performed every task, including coordination and setting up a temporary mobile Sheriff’s Office communications center.”
Hardy joined other volunteers on a search and rescue mission during her last assignment.
“On the last day before departure, Austin, without hesitation, joined other members on a search and rescue mission. Austin’s extraordinary dedication during this time is an example of a true hero,” Estes said.
“I am proud and honored to have people like Austin on my staff to serve the citizens of Lee County and who are willing to go the extra mile in times of need.”
