Tomorrow begins the week-long recognition and celebration of the efforts of Public Safety Telecommunicators, or emergency dispatchers.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators week was initially presented in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California. It’s celebrated the second week of April. It’s an opportunity to thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public in times of an emergency.
An emergency dispatcher is the first person you talk to when you all 911 to report an emergency. They alert police, fire and EMS officials of the emergency and give them as much information in a quick manner to get them to the scene as soon as possible. They are trained to give life saving instructions until paramedics arrive at the scene, or keep callers calm until firefighters or police officers get to their location.
Pulaski County Sheriff Jeff Richwine said the dispatch center will be decorated to celebrate week. Bingo will be played throughout the week for a chance to win prizes. A carry-in lunch is planned and each dispatcher will be featured on the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week begins Sunday, April 8 and ends Saturday, April 14.
