THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 28, 1994 TAG: 9412240081
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
Most folks who know Katherine Turner know her for her candor and honesty.
But after 21 years of service as a dispatcher at the Smithfield Police Department, Turner is known as just plain ``Kitty'' to co-workers at the police department.
Turner, 66, has worked under four chiefs during her stint as a dispatcher in Smithfield. She said she couldn't even begin to count the number of calls she's answered.
She said she began dispatching when Smithfield police chief Max Cochran began trying to get her to apply for dispatcher.
``I was with the Isle of Wight Rescue Squad at that time,'' she said, ``and he would come through and get after me to apply. He kept after me and when I finally did apply, I got the job,'' she said.
Turner left the rescue squad shortly after she began with the police because she said the volunteer rescue work pulled her away from her dispatching with the police.
``I just didn't feel right leaving my dispatching job to run with the rescue squad,'' she said.
Turner said she takes her dispatching job very seriously.
``You have people's lives in your hands,'' she said. ``And when the police get in trouble, you want to be able to help them.''
Name: Katherine ``Kitty'' Turner.
What brought you to Isle of Wight? Born here.
Hometown: Smithfield.
Birthdate: Jan. 2, 1928.
Occupation: Communications operator for the Smithfield Police Department.
Marital Status: Married.
Children: Two daughters.
Favorite movies: ``Gone With the Wind'' and ``The Sound of Music.''
Favorite magazine: ``National Geographic.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? Daniel Steel books. They're exciting.
Favorite night out on the town: Cowling's for dinner and to a concert or the Smithfield Little Theater.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Angelo's.
Favorite food and drink: Lobster and coffee.
Few people know . . . that I like puzzles.
What's the best thing about yourself? My character and honesty.
Worst habit: Snacking.
First thing in the morning: Eat breakfast.
Pets: None.
Hobbies: Knitting.
Ideal vacation: New York - plays.
Pet peeve: Dishonesty.
First job: Telephone operator.
Worst job: Housekeeping.
What achievements are you most proud of? My children.
What would you like as your epitaph? I don't want one. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by JODY SNIDER
by CNB