Forsyth County’s 911 Center unveiled a new art installation on Jan. 5 that celebrates life and the success stories from emergency calls.

“In this line of work, it’s easy to focus on the stories that don’t turn out the way we want them to,” said EMA and 911 Director Chris Grimes. “This initiative gives our 911 operators the chance to embrace the daily impact they have on people’s lives and remind them of all they do for the community.”

The new mural highlights the work of 911 telecommunications officers, as well as first responders, and their success in completing lifesaving calls through CPR or other measures.

“When my own family has had to call 911, each time it was the 911 operators who walked our family through providing life-saving measures,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John. “I am thankful for each and every one of our telecommunications officers, and I know this tree will be full of lives saved because of their actions.”

During the unveiling ceremony, two telecommunications officers were recognized for their recent efforts in helping save lives through their instructions on emergency calls.

Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Senior Rhonda Moore gave instructions to a husband whose wife began to suffer a cardiac event. These instructions led to the woman surviving after being transported to the hospital. Moore was given a Life Saving Award for her work.

PST Supervisor Shannon Parham was also recognized and given a Stork Award for helping a husband deliver their baby after his wife went into labor unexpectedly and away from medical care.

Forsyth County artist Andy Bert, also known as “The Wall Nut”, painted the mural.