Department: Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office Communications
Name: Kristen Lee
Rank: Lead Communications Operator
How long with department: Six years
Roles: Lead Operator, training new telecommunicators on 9-1-1 call taking, assisting in the interview process for telecommunicator applicants.
Education (high school, college/degrees): Graduated from Hobbs High School and received my associate’s degree from New Mexico Junior College.
Professional Certification Level: Advanced Telecommunicator
Honors/highlights: 2024 Telecommunicator of the Year
Why did you choose this profession? I wanted to serve the community in a meaningful, direct way while working behind the scenes where calm decision-making matters. Helping someone on their worst day, protecting responders and contributing to public safety gives the work meaning beyond a typical job.
How do you deal with stressful situations? I focus on staying calm and methodical. I control my breathing, listen carefully to the caller or radio traffic and prioritize the most critical information for responder safety. I understand that callers may be scared or frustrated, so I remain patient and professional while directing the conversation.
Hobbies & interests: Reading, painting, going to concerts, cooking.
Community involvement beyond work: Supporting my children in all the extracurricular events they are a part of – theatre, marching/concert band as well as supporting my son when he competes in the Special Olympics in bowling and basketball.
Quote: “Failure ain’t the opposite of success. It’s a part of the syllabus. Every mistake I made taught me something I wouldn’t have learned any other way. Patience. Timing. Listening. And most importantly being myself unapologetically.” – Snoop Dogg
