Quinones doesn’t quit: Captain recognized for work by state organization

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The Georgia Association of Public Safety Communications Officials takes the time to recognize those in the field who go above and beyond in communications and in their community; for the month of July, they recognized one of Houston County’s own, Captain Mikki Quinones.

Quinones won the association’s Dispatcher of the Month award. According to the APCO, Quinones has been dedicated since July 1991; in fact, July 15 will be her 22nd anniversary with Houston County 911.

Nominated by Lt. Veronica Edens, Quinones was praised for her dedication and commitment to leadership.

“She works hard to make sure her employees get what they need. She stands up for us and makes sure we get recognized when appropriate,” Edens said to the APCO.

When asked why she thinks she won her award, Quinones humbly gave props to her team, a main motivator for her.

“They care about what they do and they care about serving the citizens and giving them help when they need help. They’re the wheels that meet the road and I just tried to keep it in the road. That’s literally how it works,” Quinones said.

Now, as a division commander, Quinones is a caring leader who believes in her team, giving them resources needed for success and helping through any challenges.

“They know that I have an open door policy and they can come and sit down in my office and talk to me about anything and I will help them in any way, whether it be in their professional life or their personal life,” Quinones said. “That’s what we’re here for. And that’s what I’ve always strived to do is, number one to be fair as possible with each and every one of them, and then to be there for them as well.”

Raised around those in public safety, Quinones dreamed of being a mandated officer, and is actually certified as such. But after trying out communications, she saw possibilities to step into leadership, and fell in love with the field.

Reflecting on her career, Quinones said calls involving those she knows and other first responders have stuck with her the most. But every call counts, and she is fulfilled knowing she may have helped the public during what could be one of the worst days of their lives.

“You watch the process, them coming in, needing that help and then being able to get that help to them. That’s a pretty special thing, to be able to serve and be able to help those in those times of need. It’s pretty satisfying,” Quinones said.

When Quinones is not working, she likes to stay busy with her family, including her husband, three children, two grandchildren, and three cows.

HHJ News