2017 February PASO Magazine

LORI MORGAN RETIRES AFTER
23 YEARS WITH PASO PD
As Lori's co-workers walked past
our interview room and gave her a
hug, the tears welled up rapidly. So,
I asked, “Why retire now?” Through
more tears of joy, there was no delay
in the answer. “I love these people
and my job but I've done this for
a long time through all the days'
shifts, holidays and celebrations,
the disasters and the slow times.
Now, it's time for my husband and
me to be on the same clock. I crochet,
tie-dye, stain glass, and dream
of places to travel to while we can.
I want to rebuild some long-time
relationships where I missed events
because I was at ‘the desk.’ It might
take me a couple weeks to realize
that it's Lori-time – but I sure am
ready to get started!”
Lori Morgan – there is no way
to ever know how many lives you
PASO PEOPLE
By Chuck Desmond
lying or if it's for real. “I'll find out if
Lori Morgan was born and you're not truthful as I am part-detective
raised in El Paso de Robles. Back
to make sure we get the bad-
when the town looked a lot different,
guy.” Fair-time is the busiest 2 weeks
her dad's summer job was for the dispatchers but with each
right near the old police station local, state, federal or international
and, at the age of 4, Lori scooted disaster, the call-volume escalates.
back and forth between the two. It Lori said her commitment on
was quite comfortable for her to be every shift, as the first of the 1st responders,
made a difference for, but from all of
around our small group of officers
was two-fold: protect Pa-
us in Paso, thank you a ton for your
in those days.
so's police officers and the fire team;
service! Great job lady! Blessings on
After graduating as a Bearcat, and the citizens of Paso. “These are
you!
Lori did some follow up college my people, my cohorts and workmates,
Hmmm, I wonder if she'll ever
work at Hancock and Cuesta between
my neighbors and my family.
read this story. I don't think the
her 20 years at Ennis Business
I have to be ever-ready to start events
PASO Magazine is distributed on
Forms, Chaparral Business in a flash. Time is often critical.”
cruise ships in the Caribbean!
Supply and Beckman Instruments.
But the best was yet to come.
Lori was doing volunteer work for
the Monterey County Parks Dept. Stand-Up for Pups
and she seemed to know her safety-stuff.
A man asked her if she was The Big Laugh Returns February 11
a dispatcher or 9-1-1 operator. Lori
said, “No” and the man replied, “You By Millie Drum
The nonprofit selected to receive
should be!” That got her to thinking. The Big Laugh premiered on Valentine’s
the proceeds this year is very dear to
Lori's next step was to take
Day weekend in February Lizette. She adds, “Since we rescued Since their founding in 1998, Sec-
2-weeks off and get a dispatcher's 2009. For seven successful years, Beau, our Blue Nose Pitbull Terrier, ond Chance at Love, an all-volunteer
certificate. Openings were here and Lizette Mizelle has invited popular we have become even more dedicated
nonprofit has rescued, rehabil-
there but Lori, as a true Roblan, stand-up comics to perform on the
to helping Second Chance itated and placed over 5,000 dogs
wanted to be in her home town. Six Central Coast, entertained thousands
at Love Humane Society. The Big with loving homes. Founder Cheri
months later, a Paso opening came
and has given back to local Laugh will host a silent auction to Lucas is also a world-renowned
up. She applied but wasn't selected. nonprofit organizations. As The Big benefit SCALHS with 100% of the dog behaviorist who believes that
However, she was told that the next Laugh producer and comedienne proceeds given to their amazing every dog deserves a “second
one looked promising. A month herself, Lizette has opened for D.L work in our community! Donated chance” at becoming balanced
later, Lori heard an opening was Hughley, Jon Lovitz, SNL comic items could include but are not limited
and finding love.” The rescue facil-
soon to be announced. Lori didn't to art, service gifts, jewelry, sports Dana Carvey, internet star Mrs.
ity is currently housing and caring
wait and immediately called the Hughes and entertained Marine memorabilia or wine. Items may for 45 dogs of all ages and breeds.
then Police Chief, John Nelson, and Corp soldiers in Japan.
be dropped off at locations in Paso Many of these dogs were pulled
said she was ready. He agreed and The next show on Saturday, Feb. Robles and Atascadero.” To coordinate
time and place, call Lizette at Stand-Up for Pups Comedy Night is
from high-kill county shelters.
at age 35, Lori began a new career 11, 6 p.m. at the Atascadero Lake
that has spanned 4 Police Chiefs Pavilion is called “Stand-Up for 712-0400 to make arrangements for sure to be a sell-out! Get advance
and lasted 23 years!
Pups” featuring Kira Soltanovich, donations. Second Chance at Love tickets now by calling 712-0400 or
The dispatchers' area is just
James P. Connolly who appeared depends on the financial support online biglaughlive.com.
down the hall from Mary Sponhaltz's
office as well as Chief Bur-
in the second Big Laugh in May from the community to continue rescuing
and finding forever homes for
2009, America’s Funniest Cop Mike
Mancini and music by Rewind. dogs.
ton. Mary is the Chief's Assistant
and also the Dispatch Supervisor.
There are eight dispatchers and
they work 4 days a week for 10
hour shifts. The room is full of
monitors and phones. Three dispatchers
at a time can be on duty.
On a busy day, there could be as
many as 200 calls. Some are “routine
business questions,” some are
non-emergency and some are offhours
public-works calls. All the
rest are to report fires or accidents,
ambulance needs and the full
range of true crimes taking place
in real time or “are just now finally
being reported.”
Lori has heard it all; the good,
the horrible and the false. She says
she can easily tell when someone is
28 PASO Magazine, February 2017