Orange County Sheriff's Office Telecommunications Officer Marie Dempsey

We are pleased to announce Marie Dempsey as the TMPA Law Enforcement Professional of the Month.

Her continued dedication to the Sheriff's Office and residents of Orange County, Texas over the last 15 years, partnered with her professional demeanor, increases safety for deputies responding to calls, and residents in need of assistance. Marie also serves as Secretary of the Orange County local association.

Marie has been a member of TMPA for nearly 8 years.

March 1, 2010

Her continued dedication to the Sheriff's Office and residents of Orange County, Texas over the last 15 years, partnered with her professional demeanor in emergency situations, increases safety for deputies responding to calls for service, and residents in need of assistance. Marie also goes above the call of duty to provide support to all members of the Orange County local association.

Officer Dempsey finds inspiration in her daily work and ability to help others in need, while having a soft heart for children and elderly who call for service. Marie refers to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a big family. “I enjoy my role in assisting deputies apprehending suspects,” said Marie.

When asked what aspect of her work as a telecommunications specialist is most challenging Marie replied, “When I assist deputies in the capture of a suspect, and the suspect gets out of jail before the deputy completes his paperwork.”

There are two cases that have stayed with her over the years, “Hurricane Ike and Rita will stay in my mind forever. During both Hurricanes, we lost electricity, but we were able to continue communications through cell phones. We used flashlights and worked long hours to take care of our deputies and citizens of Orange County. We were able to help citizens in a time of need, and even at the peak of hurricane and under tremendous stress.”

Marie Dempsey has been a TMPA member since 2004. “I’ve been the secretary of our Association since its inception. During this time, I’ve signed up 114 employees with TMPA and working on six more right now,” commented Marie.

Marie selects TMPA above the competition because, “TMPA is awesome for what they offer, and their representation. They recognize our dispatchers on the same level as the patrol deputies. During Hurricane Rita and Ike, TMPA was there for us. TMPA volunteered countless hours towards our Association, and provided food, clothes, and numerous other supplies that were needed.

TMPA is a professional organization, and all of the staff that I’ve met have been very nice and willing to help in any way they can. They are the best organization, and there’s no comparison,” stated Marie. “TMPA professionally and successfully represented the Orange County Sheriffs Office in contract negotiations. The result was a huge pay raise for our department. They placed a lot of time and effort into the negotiations, and really showed that they cared for each and every member of our organization. They did a great job, and I thank TMPA for that,” recalls Marie.