Intrigue is what first led longtime employee Donelle Lawrence to apply for a job with Anoka County. 

Forty-five years later, Lawrence has seen it all first as a 911 dispatcher, dispatch supervisor, and in her final role as assistant director of emergency communications. 

While Lawrence has spent much of her professional career with the county, she admits the job is certainly not for everyone. 

“You have to commit to a 24/7 job, which means working holidays and weekends, working family events, and working overtime,” she said. “But if you love it, it gets into your skin.” 

In the time since Lawrence started to now, many aspects of working for Anoka County have changed. 911 wasn’t established until 1982 and staff didn’t have computers, so everything was written by hand, and addresses were looked up in a map book. Now, staff look at six computers, have numerous mapping programs and a computer-aided dispatch system, in addition to the help of artificial intelligence (AI). 

Department Director of Emergency Communications Kari Morrissey credits Lawrence for always being the person residents and staff can turn to when they need help. Morrissey started working with Lawrence more than 30 years ago in 1992. 

“She was one of my trainers who helped me grow and become who I am today,” Morrissey said. “I cannot thank her enough for that — for her continued guidance throughout the years and for her friendship along the way.”

After more than four decades, Lawrence officially retired from the county Jan. 30.  

“It’s a reality that I’m having a hard time grasping,” Morrissey said. “It’s well-earned and we’re all happy for her. Donelle is going to be a hard one to replace — the integrity, loyalty, leadership, and knowledge she takes with her will be hard to fill. Our door will always be open for her.”