Open Forum: April 11-17 is National 911 Telecommunications Week (VA)

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

911 is the gateway for access to emergency services. At all hours of the day or night a citizen or visitor to Winchester, Frederick or Clarke County will call 911 to get help from Fire-Rescue, Sheriff’s Office, City or Town Police or Animal Control services.

A response to an emergency or non-emergency incident does not begin until one of the cool headed and highly professional 911 call takers obtain all of the essential information from the caller to determine the response resources that are needed to handle the type of incident being reported. This is often a difficult task when the caller is frantic and many times screaming in fear or near panic…

911 dispatchers warn against giving children old cellphones to play with (IN)

911 dispatchers warn against giving children old cellphones to play with (IN)

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

NOBLESVILLE — This week is dedicated to the 911 dispatchers who put in hard work every day in central Indiana and across the country. Public Safety Telecommunications Week is April 11-17. In Hamilton County, 911 dispatchers are being treated to meals and snacks throughout the week, as well as other surprises.

WRTV asked two supervisors what the public can do to make their job easier.“Remember an unused cellphone with a battery that you give your kids to play with can still call 911,” said LaKisha Goins, a Hamilton County dispatcher and supervisor…

Marathon County Sheriff names Communications Officer of the Year (WI)

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – April 11 to April 17 is the week that law enforcement across the country recognize those working in Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP).

Along with receiving emergency calls for service, those working at these communications centers are also responsible for many non-emergency calls.

Marathon County Sheriff Scott Parks is naming this year’s Communications Officer of the Year as Shelby Jansen… READ MORE

City Launches New 311 Program for Non-Emergency City Services (CA)

City Launches New 311 Program for Non-Emergency City Services (CA)

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Santa Monica launched yesterday a new 311 assistance program to improve customer service for all non-emergency City services.

Santa Monica 311, available in English and Spanish, is an integrated program accessible via phone, email and web, city officials said a press release yesterday. The city has also launched a new mobile app that replaces the Santa Monica Works/Go system to make it easier to contact city departments and submit requests…

Women in Public Safety Communications: Renee Gordon

Women in Public Safety Communications: Renee Gordon

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News

Renee Gordon, RPL, CPE, Director, City of Alexandria, Virginia – Department of Emergency and Customer Communications

  • In public safety for over 30 years, 12  in emergency communications
  • APCO member since 2010
  • APCO Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL) and RPL facilitator
  • Graduate of the inaugural class of Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE)
  • Immediate past president of the Mid-Eastern Chapter of APCO

SUNDAY BEGINS ‘PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR WEEK’ (LA)

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Each 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 in the 911 communications field. It is a set aside so everyone can be made aware of these professionals’ hard work and dedication to the community.

Madison Parish E-911 Director Cynthia Machen said it is important to say thank you to the hard-working men and women in the telecommunications field…