Anita Cardwell Named Lead Dispatcher at North Canton Police Department

The North Canton Police Department now has a new lead dispatcher, after its last lead dispatcher retired almost a year and a half ago.

Anita Cardwell, who's been with the department for 15 years, stepped into the position and was sworn in before the North Canton City Council meeting Monday night.

Cardwell has served as a part-time dispatcher and been a full-time dispatcher the last 13 years. She attended Cloverleaf High School in Medina County and has completed Diversity Training, Advanced Dispatch Training, First Aid & AED Certified, Crisis Call Handling, Crisis Communications Training, Emergency Management Training IS-700, Public Records & Privacy Laws Training and Basic Public Safety Services Communications Training.

Cardwell is a State Certified Operator for L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Automated Data System) and Notary Public. She lives in the Jackson Township area, is married and has two adult sons and a daughter.

The appointment will fill the Civil Service tested open position created when former Chief Dispatcher Patricia Yagielski retired in May of 2011.

Cardwell’s duties will be to supervise the dispatch center, maintain all police records, be in charge of the L.E.A.D.S. requirements and training, regular dispatch duties and fill as a payroll clerk backup when needed for the police department.