NASHVILLE - Cynthia Middlebrooks, who joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol just over a year ago, earned "Dispatcher of the Year" for the Chattanooga district in 2010, according to a news release.

"With little prior experience, Dispatcher Middlebrooks has become a quick study and has learned every aspect of the position without any difficulties," THP officials said in the release. "Dispatcher Middlebrooks is thorough, professional and holds herself to the highest standards of the Highway Patrol."

Middlebrooks is among more than 90 dispatchers working for the Department of Safety and Homeland Security across the state of Tennessee. Nine of those dispatchers were recognized as Dispatcher of the Year in their respective districts during an awards ceremony last week at the Tennessee Highway Patrol Training Center in Nashville.

"There are 82 THP Communication Dispatchers and nine supervisors who are the unsung heroes of the Highway Patrol," said THP Colonel Tracy Trott in the news release. "They show more concern for other people than they do for themselves. While their work oftentimes goes unnoticed, they press on until the job gets done. They are the lifeline of the Highway Patrol and it is our honor to recognize them for their dedication and service."

The state agency named Memphis Dispatcher Beverly Bearden as the 2010 Dispatcher of the Year.