McCook Council Proclaims National Police Officers Week While Honoring Dispatch Excellence

McCook Neb. - The McCook City Council meeting celebrated Jennifer Doucet, McCook's 911 Coordinator, who received the prestigious 2025 Laura Becker Memorial Award from the Nebraska Emergency Communication Services Association (NESCA). This award recognized her exceptional dedication to dispatch centers in the south-central panhandle, particularly her work in policy creation, multi-site system coordination, and inter-agency communication.

Chief Kevin Hodgson lauded Doucet's contributions, stating that her nomination highlighted her unparalleled hard work and dedication in serving dispatch centers through policy creation, coordination of CAD and RMS systems, and facilitation of inter-agency communications. He emphasized that Doucet is the go-to person in the region for support, knowledge, and strength, available 24/7 for situations ranging from plane crashes to training.

Jennifer Doucet dedicated the award to her entire McCook dispatch team, emphasizing their crucial role and tireless 24/7 dedication. She highlighted the immense responsibility of dispatchers, requiring focus, communication skills, and calm under pressure, and affirmed their vital link in emergencies. Doucet expressed gratitude to NESCA for the honor, which she believes validates their commitment to providing the best service to the community and first responders.

The council approved a proclamation designating May 11-17, 2025, as National Police Officers Week, with May 15 recognized as Police Officer Memorial Day. This proclamation honors the courageous men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and those currently serving in law enforcement. Chief Hodgson shared that the national memorial in Washington, D.C., bears the names of over 23,000 fallen officers, including recent losses in Nebraska.

McCook Economic Development Director Charlie McPherson and Sean Wolfe provided updates on the Economic Development Plan Citizen's Advisory Review Committee. They reported a quiet quarter, with phase one of several development projects nearing completion. The committee is actively discussing future housing and retail opportunities, especially concerning the North of McCook edition property near the sports complex, exploring mixed-use development options for the area.

City Manager Nate Schneider provided an extensive update on the Walters Sports Complex project, noting that mass excavation has commenced and infrastructure discussions, particularly regarding sewer line extensions, are ongoing. He also reported that a grant application to the Dougherty Foundation is being finalized, sponsorship and fundraising efforts are progressing well, and the council is expected to review Package B (the horizontal build-out) soon. Plans for the concession stand and associated building (Package C) are currently under review.

Councilman Jared Muehlenkamp addressed public inquiries about the usage of current facilities, such as Legion Field and the JC sports complex, alongside the new complex. He emphasized the advantages of the artificial turf in the new facility, which offers durability and the potential for year-round use, ensuring that the new complex will effectively meet the community's needs.

The consent agenda was approved with one vote, and no items were pulled for discussion.