By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
Friends, family and coworkers gathered Friday afternoon at the Luska J. Twyman Municipal Building in downtown Glasgow to celebrate the career of Beverly Harbison. The longtime director of the Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications Center officially retired after more than four decades in emergency communications.
The reception, held on Harbison’s final day with the agency, brought together many of the people who worked alongside her throughout her career, as well as those who helped shape it from the very beginning.
“We got a lot of people here, a lot of celebrities, that played a role in Beverly’s entire career,” said Mayor Henry Royse. “I want to thank everyone for being here.”
Royse acknowledged that Harbison had talked about retirement for years.
“This is a day we never wanted to come,” he joked. “Beverly has threatened this day and it has finally come.”
The mayor also recognized former Glasgow Police Chief and mayor Darrell Pickett, crediting him with giving Harbison the opportunity that would define much of her career.
Former Glasgow Police Chief and Mayor Darrell Pickett is pictured with incoming Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications Center Director April Dunbar during Beverly Harbison’s retirement celebration. Gage Wilson/For Glasgow News 1
“I really want to thank Darrell Pickett, who is the person we can thank for hiring her,” Royse said.
Harbison reflected on that moment herself, explaining she became director of the communications center in 2006 but had worked with Pickett years earlier at the Glasgow Police Department before he became chief.
“I really appreciate you coming,” she told Pickett during the ceremony.
Royse said the turnout for the celebration spoke volumes about Harbison’s impact on the community.
“I think it’s evident that these people care enough about the job you have done to be here for this special day,” he said.
Recently appointed City Clerk Sarah Young was handed the knife to cut the retirement cake, prompting a smile from Harbison.
“I always had to cut the cake,” Harbison remarked as Young took over the honors.
The celebration was a veritable “who’s who” of Barren County as leaders from across local government and public safety gathered to honor Harbison’s decades of service. Gage Wilson/For Glasgow News 1
Harbison retires after serving 20 years as director of the Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications Center. She began her dispatch career in 1985 with the Glasgow Police and Fire Department before joining the newly established regional 911 center in 1994. During her tenure as director, she helped establish a uniform hiring process and prioritized continuous education and professional certification for dispatchers.
With Harbison’s retirement now official, Assistant Director April Dunbar has assumed leadership of the Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications Center.
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