Elected officials honor heroes behind the headset
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, celebrated annually in the second week of April, recognizes and honors the unsung heroes at the end of 911 calls who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the public’s safety and well-being.
Recently, Sheriff Thomas Ballinger, along with Wayne County Commissioners Dave McMillen, Jonathan Hofstetter and Matt Martin, visited the call center to thank those who have dedicated their careers to public safety.
“These telecommunicators serve the citizens of Wayne County by answering their emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services,” McMillen read from a proclamation. “And dispatching the appropriate assistance as quick as possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
The impact of telecommunicators extends beyond the immediate response to emergencies. They are often the comforting voice on the other end of the line, reassuring scared callers in distress.
In addition to comforting callers, they are the lifeline for first responders, providing them with critical information and updates while en route to the scene.
Telecommunicators possess a unique blend of skills that allows them to remain calm under pressure, multitask and think critically in high-stress situations. Their ability to swiftly assess situations, gather essential information and relay critical details to first responders is a testament to their training, experience and unwavering commitment to public service.
For additional information about National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, visit www.cisa.gov/national-public-safety-telecommunicators-week.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.