KELLI AUSTIN
Rusk
Summary
Public safety professional with more than nine years of experience in emergency communications, corrections leadership, training, and incident response. Proven ability to lead personnel, coordinate complex operations, develop training programs, and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations. Experienced in multi-agency emergency response environments, employee development, scheduling, quality improvement initiatives, and critical incident management. Recognized for leadership excellence through receipt of the Director’s All-Around Performer Award. Advanced Telecommunicator with extensive training in emergency management, crisis communications, and incident command systems.
Professional telecommunication specialist with substantial experience in emergency response and call management. Demonstrates strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and multitasking. Ensures seamless team collaboration and adapts easily to changing situations. Reliable and results-driven, with focus on delivering high-quality service and supporting team goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police/Fire Telecommunicator | Tactical Dispatcher | Trainer
Smith County Sheriff’s Office
11.2021 - Current
- Dispatch police, fire, and EMS resources for routine and emergency incidents across multiple jurisdictions.
- Serve as a Tactical Dispatcher during critical incidents, supporting incident commanders and field personnel through effective resource coordination and situational awareness.
- Train, mentor, and evaluate newly hired telecommunicators, ensuring compliance with agency standards and operational procedures.
- Coordinate communications between law enforcement, fire, EMS, and partner agencies during high-risk and large-scale incidents.
- Maintain proficiency in TCIC/NCIC systems, emergency communications protocols, and public safety technologies.
- Utilize sound judgment and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments requiring rapid assessment and prioritization.
- Support operational readiness through ongoing training, coaching, and professional development efforts.
Sergeant of Corrections
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
01.2018 - 11.2021
- Supervised daily operations and personnel within a secure correctional environment.
- Developed and managed daily staffing schedules and operational assignments for more than 50 employees.
- Delegated responsibilities and monitored employee performance to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with agency standards.
- Conducted employee training, coaching, and professional development activities.
- Responded to and managed emergency situations, critical incidents, and high-stress operational events.
- Prepared reports, maintained documentation, and ensured compliance with state policies and regulations.
- Fostered accountability, teamwork, and professional excellence among assigned staff.
- Awarded the Director’s All-Around Performer Award, the highest recognition available to supervisory personnel, for exceptional leadership and performance.
Correctional Officer
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
12.2015 - 01.2018
- Maintained safety, security, and operational integrity within a correctional facility.
- Enforced institutional policies and procedures while ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Responded effectively to emergency situations and critical incidents.
- Developed strong communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills in a high-pressure environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Texas at Tyler
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Trinity Valley Community College
Skills
- Call prioritization
- Inbound customer service
- Outbound sales
- Public safety awareness
- Emergency management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Critical thinking
- Clear communication
- Training and development
- Active listening
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word proficiency
Accomplishments
- Employee Recognition – TDCJ Coffield Unit (2017) – Personally recognized by Warden Catoe for outstanding job performance, mentorship of new staff, and positive impact on employee development.
- Director’s All-Around Performer Award (2021) – Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s highest supervisory recognition, awarded for exceptional leadership, performance, and commitment to agency operations.
- Letter of Recognition – Smith County Sheriff’s Office (2022) – Commended for maintaining composure and effectively coordinating communications during multiple high-stress law enforcement incidents, including a capital murder suspect apprehension and vehicle pursuit.
- Smith County Sheriff’s Achievement Award (2022) – In recognition for handling a high priority call, including capture of an armed suspect involved in a shooting and standoff.
- Letter of Recognition – Smith County Sheriff’s Office (2026) – Recognized for exceptional performance during a large-scale grass fire response, demonstrating teamwork, communication, and operational effectiveness during rapidly evolving emergency conditions.
Certification
- Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
- Advanced Telecommunicator Certification
- Licensed Telecommunicator
- TCIC/TLETS Full Access Certification
- Crisis Communications Telecommunicator
- Cardiac Emergency Communications
- Active Shooter Response
- General Instructor Development
- CPR Certification
- FEMA / Emergency Management
- IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command System
- IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- IS-230: Fundamentals of Emergency Management
- IS-241: Decision Making and Problem Solving
- IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- TERT Basic Course
Timeline
Police/Fire Telecommunicator | Tactical Dispatcher | Trainer
Smith County Sheriff’s Office
11.2021 - Current
Sergeant of Corrections
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
01.2018 - 11.2021
Correctional Officer
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
12.2015 - 01.2018
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Trinity Valley Community College
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Texas at Tyler
LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Supervised and coordinated teams of more than 50 employees.
- Developed staffing plans and operational schedules to support organizational readiness.
- Trained and mentored newly hired personnel in both corrections and emergency communications environments.
- Supported multi-agency emergency response operations through tactical dispatching and resource coordination.
- Recognized with the Director’s All-Around Performer Award for outstanding leadership and performance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead personnel, manage competing priorities, and make sound decisions in high-pressure environments.