The Natchitoches Parish 911 Commission voted unanimously at a special called meeting on June 29 to approve the hiring of Kim Tolliver as the new executive director of the Natchitoches Parish 911 Communications District.
Willis Carter is retiring after 50 years in public safety. He commuted from his home in Webster Parish for his role as executive director, and Tolliver plans to do the same, although at Tuesday night’s meeting she said the commute from Shreveport is substantial and the option for her to move to Natchitoches is on the table.
About Tolliver:
Tolliver was promoted in rank at the Shreveport Fire Department to Chief of Communications in January 2016. As Chief of Communications, she commands and is responsible for all aspects of a division that comprises administration, operations and information technology. The Fire Communications Division is a nationally accredited agency that provides a variety of support services on behalf of the Shreveport Fire Department and functions as Caddo Parish’s “Gateway to Public Safety.” This division operates as the initial recipient of all 9-1-1 calls originating within Caddo Parish, is responsible for processing all emergency and non-emergency requests for service received by the Shreveport Fire Department and the Caddo 9-1-1 system, and provides dispatching services for the seven Caddo Parish Fire Districts. Chief Tolliver manages a staff of 45 members and a budget of more than $3.9M
Chief Tolliver began her career with the Shreveport Fire Department’s Communications Division in August 1999 as a Fire Communications Officer I (FCOI). In January 2008, she was promoted to Fire Communications Officer II. While working in the Emergency Communications Center as an FCO, her management and leadership skills were greatly enhanced. Her level of responsibility increased from serving as an entry level calltaker, to supervising other FCOs, to being a training coordinator/instructor. And, as her roles and responsibilities grew within the division, so did her desire to learn and equip herself to be more knowledgeable about the Public Safety sector and to strengthen her leadership abilities. It was her vision to serve as Chief of Communications at some point in her career.
Chief Tolliver is the first African-American and second female to serve as Chief of Communications in Shreveport Fire Department history. She holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. Her certifications include Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Registered Public Leader (RPL), Communications Training Officer Instructor, Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor, Firefighter I, and Hazmat Awareness Level 1. Chief Tolliver is also on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and a 1stResponder with the Department of Health and Hospitals. Her committee affiliations include CAD Technology, CALEA Accreditation, EMD, Policy, Training, Hiring, Quality Assurance, Strategic Planning and Fire Department’s Disciplinary Board. In recognition of her accomplishments, Chief Tolliver received the 2016 Female Leader Award at the Women Motivating Women Inspirational Award Conference hosted by the City of Shreveport. These awards celebrate, acknowledge, and honor achievements of remarkable women who inspire those around them in everyday life.
She credits her success to GOD, family and an awesome staff. She is the mother of two adult children and one grandchild.
And the real shame is the fireworks were not on the 4th. Independence Day is the 4th not the 3rd. All about $$
First of all let me say I appreciate the effort put into the fireworks on the Cane River in Natchitoches. We always look forward to them and the reputation the fireworks displays have are known throughout the state and surrounding states. Having said that, we were terribly disappointed with the 4th of July display this year. While this year’s display was nice, unfortunately to us and many people we have spoken to, this year’s display did not rise to the awesome level that everyone is accustomed to. I sure hope the top rate fireworks displays return for all future events because they were truly something to behold and brag about.
And Shreveport is better??
How totally disgusting. The “best” they can find wants the money but won’t live here. Will take her $160,000 back to Shreveport. This Commission needs to go. Spending taxpayer money to support someplace else. As she stated this is just the next step. Adding to the resume. Unlike our new city attorney at least she isn’t on probation to h as t we know of. That is another position that is being filled by someone that won’t move here. Where is the outcry???
Why would she ? High crime, high poverty and bad infrastructure are not real drawing cards.
No outcry because no one will be listening anyway.
And did taxpayers foot the bill for Carter’s commute? I’d bet we did.