Today marks the start of National Telecommunicators Week, April 12-18th. Telecommunicators, also known as dispatchers, are truly the unsung heroes of our nation. They are the calm to the crazy of our world. They are the first line of communications for our Troopers out in the field. They are the first people to talk to our citizens and then relay that information to the Troopers and keep them updated of any changes, so they are the first First Responders. When a Trooper is on a traffic stop and things go bad, they are the one who sends them the help they need…they are that Troopers life-line!
They handle multiple calls on multiple systems at one time. They work under stressful conditions while remaining professional and calm. They have an incredible commitment to caring for others. They are the golden glue that holds emergencies together, but all too often, the importance of dispatch personnel goes unrecognized.
Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community, are honored. This week-long event is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. It is a week that should be set aside so everyone can be made aware of their hard work and dedication.
An estimated 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in the U.S. each year. In many areas, 80% or more are from wireless devices.
Margit Miller / Calvert Beacon