The Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCCDA) recognizes the contribution of Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker, not only in Battle Creek and Calhoun County, but also as chair of the Dispatch Authority’s governing board. Chief Blocker’s retirement begins Jan. 31, and Deputy Chief Shannon Bagley will become interim Chief of Police.
Blocker was instrumental to the Dispatch Authority through a transition in leadership and then the voter approval and subsequent $17M purchase of network solutions with Motorola. ”In his seven years of service to the CCCDA board, Chief Blocker has been instrumental in advancing 911 services in Calhoun County. He has been an advocate of not only the technology advancements, but also in supporting best practices for the mental health concerns of callers and 911 Telecommunciators,” said Michael Armitage, Executive Director of CCCDA.
Blocker stated that his relationship with the Dispatch Authority was meaningful to his time as police chief: “A highlight of my time as Chief is the privilege to get to know and work with, our communication specialists, the 911 Telecommunciators. These professionals daily consume the trauma in those first few moments of that initial call, and in the chaos, they get the help to those in need the quickest. I admire their front-line work, and dedication as the initial part of the emergency response team.”
At the last Dispatch Authority Board Meeting on Jan. 10, which was Blocker’s final meeting, Sheriff Steve Hinkley was voted to become the new chair of the CCCDA Board, and Ryan Harvey, representing the township association, will become Vice Chair.
Sheriff Steve Hinkley added, “We applaud the determination and effort that Chief Blocker has demonstrated representing the City of Battle Creek as the Chair of the CCCDA Board. His leadership outlined a path for long-term successful 911 services. We congratulate him on his retirement and look forward to seeing the great things we know he will accomplish in the upcoming years."
Pictured is BCPD Chief Jim Blocker with CCCDA Executive Director Michael Armitage at Blocker's final meeting, receiving a plaque for his service.
