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9-1-1 Communications Supervisor Retires from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department After 23 Years of Service
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Claudia Tolmie joined the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department on July 19, 1987 and was promoted to shift trainer on October 14, 1990. In this capacity, she was the recipient of the local Dispatcher of the Year Award in 1991, 1993 and 1996. In 1998, Claudia was selected as the runner-up for the California Public-Safety Radio Association’s (CPRA) Dispatcher of the Year Award. On January 23, 2000, Claudia was promoted to supervising public safety dispatcher and became one of the first civilian supervisors, thereby replacing the sergeants that were previously responsible for overseeing the Sheriff’s Communications Center (SCC). This was a significant accomplishment and the successful transition to civilian supervision was largely due to Claudia’s leadership, commitment to excellence and esprit de corps. Claudia’s exemplary job performance was highlighted when she was selected as CPRA’s Supervisor of the Year for 2005. Among other things, Claudia was recognized for her amazingly strong work ethic, her enthusiasm and her flawless attendance. Plus, it was noted that she is “the type of supervisor that every manager hopes for, but rarely encounters.” Claudia’s strong work ethic is legendary and is supported by her attendance record, along with the fact that, for many years, she worked more than 500 hours of overtime each year. More importantly, Claudia is known for truly caring about her team members and the people we serve. She is a “can-do” role model who leads by example and always takes the time to go the extra mile for her team. Over the years, Claudia has participated in many projects that have enhanced the efficiency and professionalism of the SCC. She was a member of the computer aided dispatch (CAD) committee and helped select the CAD system that is in use today. She has participated in the subsequent upgrades to the CAD system, as well as upgrades to the phone system and a major move of the SCC to its current “temporary” location. Claudia’s contributions extend beyond her role as a supervisor, as she consistently participates in activities that benefit the community. She enthusiastically assists the dispatchers by creating crafts for the annual SCC Christmas Boutique. The proceeds of the Boutique are used to provide a full Christmas for one or two needy families that are selected by the SCC each year. She was a member of the 9K 4 K9 fundraising committee and helped raise more than $160,000 for the Sheriff’s Canine Unit over a seven year period. She has raised thousands of dollars for various charities by completing marathons and other events. Claudia has also coordinated the Lee Denim Day within the SCC for the past several years and has raised several thousand dollars, while also matching contributions on a dollar for dollar basis. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Claudia moved to Whittier, CA in 1952 and grew up with six brothers and sisters. Having met her husband, Jim, through a friend in 1967, Claudia and Jim married in 1969 and moved to Ventura in 1977. They have five children and four grandchildren. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Department, Claudia worked for Pacific Bell for ten years as a long distance operator and in directory assistance. This gives her the distinction of retiring from 411 and 911. In retirement, Claudia plans to spend more time with her children and grandchildren, while continuing her active lifestyle. This includes more golf and more marathons, as well as more time at the family vacation home in Montana. Location: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura |
