Elizabeth “Liz” Farmer, who serves as a Telecommunicator for the Dare County 911 Communications Center, has been named Dare County Employee of the Month for June 2026. The prestigious award was presented to Farmer by Dare County 911 Communications Center Director Captain David Saffell during the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting that was held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Farmer’s service to Dare County began on September 14, 2015, when she took on the role as a Telecommunicator for the 911 Communications Center, which operates out of the Dare County Emergency Operations Center in Manteo and provides services for residents and visitors in Dare County, Tyrrell County and Hyde County. In this position, Farmer is tasked with receiving and responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, as well as dispatching the appropriate police, fire and emergency medical services personnel to various locations throughout the three counties the Dare County 911 Communications Center serves.

911 Communications Center Director Captain David Saffell presents the award to 911 Communications Center Telecommunicator Elizabeth Farmer during the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting.

“Today, we’re proud to recognize Liz Farmer as the Employee of the Month,” said Saffell as he began his presentation. “Liz has exemplified dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving others. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic and unwavering support of her coworkers make her an invaluable member of our team. She brings a smile, encouragement and professionalism to the center every day, helping to maintain morale even during the most challenging moments—and there a lot. Her contributions have a lasting impact on both her coworkers and organization as a whole.”

Saffell’s sentiments were also echoed by some of Farmer’s colleagues, who submitted nomination forms recommending that she receive the honor of being named Dare County Employee of the Month.

“Liz Farmer is a joy to work with. She has a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and always brings good energy into the center,” wrote one nominator. “It is common to walk in and see a smile on her face, even on difficult days. In the world of 911, that kind of attitude means a lot. Liz helps keep morale up and brings cheer and laughter to those around her. She is dependable, supportive and someone her coworkers truly enjoy working with. She is very deserving of Employee of the Month recognition.”

Elizabeth Farmer stands with her 911 Communications Center colleagues who attended the presentation.

Additional nominations submitted by Farmer’s coworkers highlighted many of the same qualities, emphasizing her ability to remain calm under pressure while providing support and encouragement to both callers and her fellow Telecommunicators. One colleague, in particular, praised the compassion and professionalism she demonstrates during even the most challenging situations.

“Everything about Elizabeth Farmer shows why she’s deserving of this award,” the nominator wrote. “She always brings an outstanding attitude and compassion to the room. She just has an amazing talent at keeping spirits high, even during the most stressful shifts in dispatch. From bad calls to just busy days, her positive attitude helps callers and her coworkers. These callers—who are experiencing some of the hardest and most stressful points in their lives—stay calm and she’s able to talk to them to get the information our law, fire and EMS need as quickly as possible. She represents everything a dispatcher should be. She truly deserves to be recognized as Employee of the Month.”

Elizabeth Farmer stands with her family members who attended the presentation.

As he concluded his remarks and presented Farmer with the Dare County Employee of the Month award for June 2026, Saffell commented, “She does walk into the center every day and she’s smiling and happy, which really lightens up my day—and everybody else’s in the center when she’s in there. Congratulations, Liz, and thank you for your many years of service and all that you do.” 

Dare County 911 Communications Center Telecommunicator Elizabeth Farmer stands in front of the bronze Dare County seal holding her framed certificate.

For more information about the Dare County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center, visit DareNC.gov/Sheriff.