Every year, we observe Patriot Day as a time to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and appreciate the bravery and importance of our first responders. It’s a day to remember how vital those individuals who serve and protect our communities are.

This year, for Patriot Day, we recognize a first responder in our own Klein Family. Ms. Nicole Edwards, a Klein ISD Police Department dispatcher, is the calm, caring voice at the forefront of this important work.

Ms. Edwards has been working at KPD for over 17 years as a dispatcher. In most cases, this makes her the first point of contact when an emergency occurs. She receives critical information, communicates with officers, and coordinates any additional response from EMS or fire departments.

“I understand the importance of staying focused and composed in stressful situations. I'm the calm behind the radio; I'm the calm during the storm,” she said.

Ms. Edwards is exactly the type of person families would want answering during a crisis. Her calm demeanor comes from a sincere concern for students, staff, and officers.

Serving a school district feels personal for Ms. Edwards because she is a mother who watched her own children go through Klein schools and graduate from the district.

“I have had the opportunity to see students across the district grow from childhood to graduation,” she said. “We see them in third grade, fifth grade, twelfth grade, watching homecoming, and watching football games. I care about all of them.”

Patriot Day carries deeper meaning for Ms. Edwards as a first responder.

“I can see myself frozen in front of the television, wondering what was happening and why anybody would be so cruel,” she said.

As a first responder, she understands the mindset you need to be in during these situations.

“It’s not even a thought. It’s just something that you do. Someone’s hurting, and you get in and do what you can,” she said. “There’s no fear in this job. I mean, there is, but you have to set it aside and pick it up later.”

Her connection to the community gives her the courage in these moments to do what needs to be done.

Ms. Nicole Edwards' heart for service begins with caring for others. Her understanding of the weight of her job, combined with her patience and diligence, makes her an outstanding member of the Klein community and exactly the kind of person the community wants at the front line of its safety.

We are so lucky to have someone like Nicole Edwards, motivated by love and compassion, serving our students and families.

“Love is so powerful. If everybody would just take a small portion of the love that they have inside and share it with somebody else, it would make this world so much better.”

Thank you to Ms. Edwards and all of our Klein Family first responders for your courage every day.