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Employee Excellence Award 2025

Abdallah (Abdel) Ouaaz

Senior Communication Systems Technician

Abdallah Ouaaz

Abdel joined the 9-1-1 Team in October 2017, beginning his career as an Associate Communication Systems Technician. Since then, he has advanced through the roles of Communication Systems Technician and Senior Communication Systems Technician, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence.

Abdel’s rapid mastery of complex systems, proactive pursuit of specialized training, and self-initiated learning prepared him to take on the critical role of System Administrator for the Silicon Valley Regional Communications System (SVRCS), in addition to his duties as a Senior Communications Technician. In this capacity, Abdel ensures the reliability and security of critical communications infrastructure, providing uninterrupted service to first responders and public safety professionals.

Ouaaz's impact extends across Santa Clara County and the greater Bay Area, supporting radio interoperable communications among more than 19 dispatch centers and countless trunked radio users, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, parks, and local government agencies. He leads system upgrades, security enhancements, and vendor coordination while maintaining 24/7 support to ensure seamless operations. His leadership has also been pivotal in deploying new high-tech platforms, such as Cirrus Central, which has enhanced communication network management.

What sets him apart is not only his technical expertise but also his leadership and mentorship. He fosters a collaborative team environment, promotes cross-training to strengthen team resilience, and serves as a trusted advisor to his peers and partner agencies. His professionalism, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to public safety set a high standard for others to emulate.

Beyond his core responsibilities, he plays a vital role in supporting County Communications dispatch operations. He works closely with the TSS data team to troubleshoot and deploy Hexagon CAD thread computers, ensuring dispatch staff have the essential tools to serve the community effectively.

Through his technical expertise, and dedication to service, Abdel has made a lasting impact on the County’s public safety infrastructure. It is with great appreciation that we recognize his outstanding contributions with the Employee Excellence Award.