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Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, recognized April 13th through April 19th of 2025.
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Summary:
This week of recognition was established by Congress in 1991 to honor the efforts of “dispatchers” who work hard behind the scenes to keep their communities and responders safe.
Dispatchers, also known as telecommunicators, positively affect the safety and health of others remotely via phone, 9-1-1 and radio.
Though they do not physically make the scene like officers, paramedics or firefighters, telecommunicators may be the first public safety professionals to take control of a major incident, assist someone in crisis, render lifesaving aid, gather evidence, instruct callers on safety measures, and provide for the safety of first responders before they arrive. Telecommunicators are often noted as the first of the first responders because of this initial response to an emergency.
Though most telecommunicators do not put themselves in harm’s way in the same manner as a field unit, they are subject to many of the same stress related conditions, work the same intense schedule, and also make a significant difference in the lives of others. We appreciate this opportunity to recognize telecommunicators, as their efforts may go unrecognized due to being a faceless member of the emergency response process.
Recognition efforts, words of encouragement from responders and citizens, and thank you cards from those positively impacted by dispatch are most welcome at any time and especially during this week.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
N/A.
Recommended action
Applause.