One group of frontline workers not getting enough praise for their work, according to one local civic group, is emergency telecommunicators. American Legion Post 520 representatives on Monday visited the Stanly County 911 Communications Center in the basement of the...

The parade was for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week: An annual celebration of the hard work of 911 operators across the country. COLUMBIA, S.C. — A line of police cars and fire trucks paraded downtown to show love and appreciation for 911 operators...

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — In moments of crisis, they provided the calm reassurance and expertise that saved lives.The Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Department honored four 911 telecommunications operators Thursday for their work to save lives over the phone or, in one...

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 News) – According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the state had 630 emergency dispatchers in 2016. By 2026, that number is projected to grow to 770, which is an increase of 22.2%. The second week in April is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, a time when we recognize Utah’s 911 dispatchers, who are the first to pick up the call for someone in need.

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Emergency dispatchers often work long hours and holidays, deal with periodical shortages in staff, and are constantly speaking to callers on the worst day of their lives. But at the same time, these faceless heroes often provide strength, direction, and life-saving instructions for those on the other line. But their career comes with a lot of sacrifice and risks as well.

Summit County faces shortage of dispatchers, reports exceeding overtime budget by 400 percent

As the community pays tribute to these unsung heroes of public safety, it is crucial to understand the value each emergency dispatcher holds. In some cases, they are the connection between life and death. They are the messengers and information gatherers that set the foundation for a successful rescue mission.

To share their personal experiences on-the job, three local dispatchers joined ABC4’s Glen Mills for an IN FOCUS discussion. The first guest was Chelsea Gipson, Lead Dispatcher for the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. The second guest was Joseph Faiola, Communications Center Manager for the Utah Department of Public Safety. The third guest was Dawn Shumway, Lead Dispatcher for Davis County.

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In Part 1, the panel discussed what led them to becoming a 911 dispatcher, what kind of training or certification is required, and their favorite part about the job.

In Part 2, they talked about how they stay calm during stressful situations, how they deal with the mental and emotional toll of the job, and what resources exist for dispatchers.

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In Part 3, they discussed what their favorite memories are on-the-job, Shumway’s “Zero Suicide” kits, the legislation re-introduced in Congress to classify dispatchers under the umbrella of public safety instead of the same category as receptionists, and what they want the public to know about their profession.

To watch the full IN FOCUS discussion with Gipson, Faiola, and Shumway, click on the video at the top of the article.

Catch IN FOCUS discussions with ABC4’s Rosie Nguyen weeknights on the CW30 News at 7 p.m.

What is it like to be on the other side of 911 calls? Lori Rautio has been in the emergency communications field for over 22 years and is currently a supervisor at the Strathcona County 911 Public Safety Answering Point and Fire Dispatch Centre. Before she switched to...

While dispatchers like those with the Washington County Communications Center prepare for various 911 calls, one 20-year veteran of the profession says there’s always one situation she finds most challenging despite her training. This is National Public Safety...

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) — The week of April 11 through April 17 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, commending the work of all safety communications employees. 911 dispatchers at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (HRECC) and...

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The "first of the first responders" to any emergency in Gallatin County and beyond can make the difference in saving a life. The Gallatin County Commissioners declared this week 911 Dispatcher Appreciation Week during the national Public Safety...

The Pleasanton Police Department recently held a swearing-in ceremony for the city's newest police dispatcher, Michelle Pineda. A hire from the Yolo County Emergency Communications Agency, where she dispatched for four police departments and 18 fire agencies, Pineda...

The Clearfield County Commissioners declared April 11-17 as National Telecommunicator Week at its meeting Tuesday. The Clearfield County 911 Center had 110,043 calls last year, which is an average of about 300 per day according to Clearfield County 911 Coordinator...

Date Posted: Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 Delaware- The Delaware State Police (DSP) is proud to recognize and honor its public safety communication personnel during National Public Safety Telecommunications Operators Week. The Delaware State Police Communications...

“When we answer a call, we may answer one that’s been in a wreck and then the next call may be someone has been shot, or it may be somebody with a family member having a heart attack. It’s just one right after the other,” said Diane Walton, a Shreveport Police...

It’s National Telecommunications Week, and that means it’s a time to give thanks and celebrate those behind the call. Dispatch centers are the very first line of help in an emergency, and every day they come to work ready to help their communities. The past year has...

IONIA — The Ionia County Central Dispatch 911 operating surcharge is increasing by 55 cents per device, per month starting in July. The Ionia County Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 at its meeting Tuesday, April 13, to increase the per device, per month surcharge from $2.30 to $2.85 beginning July 1 until June 30, 2022. District Four Commissioner Ally Cook was the lone no vote. In August, Ionia County voters renewed the Central Dispatch 911 surcharge allowing for an increase of up to $3. Roughly 73 percent of voters supported the proposal. The surcharge funds 911 emergency dispatch facilities, equipment and operations, said Ionia County Central Dispatch Director Jim Valentine. More:Ionia County voters pass 911 surcharge, senior millageIncreasing healthcare insurance costs have affected Central Dispatch’s operating budget, Valentine said. His called the increase to $2.85 a “conservative request.”  Among the proposed upgrades is a radio project for Ionia County fire departments to move to the Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS). County fire departments are proposing 210 portable radios and 55 mobile radios, Valentine said.  Two radio manufacturers have provided estimates for the cost, Valentine said. One is in the range of $1.16 million to $1.49 million. The other is between $500,595 and $698,835. MPSCS is also requiring the county to upgrade three towers — providing for six additional channels, Valentine said. Motorola provided a quote of $340,123 for the tower upgrades. “Right at this point, we’re not ready to immediately pursue the fire radio project,” Valentine said. Valentine noted the Federal Communications Commission has a June 25 deadline to issue the final rules of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. If the FCC approves the rules as presented, the radio project would be considered an unallowable expense. Valentine also stated there “is no surplus fund balance to allow for a down payment or make a first annual payment for a project of this financial magnitude.”  Valentine recommended continuing planning with the fire service to identify the correct equipment. He stated the project could begin in late 2021 or early 2022, or until the new surcharge rate is collected for a full year. The Ionia County 911 Advisory Board voted against recommending to the county board to increase the surcharge amount to $3. The motion failed 2-6 at the April 7 meeting. The advisory board voted unanimously to recommend the $2.85 rate to the county.Valentine said the deadline to send the proper documentation to the State 911 office is May 15. District Seven Commissioner Georgia Sharp, who represents Portland, read a statement on behalf of Portland Area Fire Authority Chief Tim Krizov, who was not able to attend Tuesday’s meeting.  “We have laid out a reasonable plan to fund the radio upgrade and also provide a substantial increase in Dispatch’s budget utilizing the $3 surcharge,” Krizov wrote. “I as chief have to look out for my firefighters — giving them proper tools to safely do their jobs, understanding that we always cannot provide the top-of-the-line equipment. In this case regarding radios, a top priority in the fire service of a good high-quality radio is essential.”  Belding Fire Chief Tim Lubitz said departments want radios that will provide the level of protection firefighters require.  “We do work in multiple different environments at any given time,” Lubitz said. “(Firefighters) don’t always have the luxury to run back and grab a radio that works, depending on where they’re at and what truck they’re on… We prefer to carry all those things with us all the time.” Lubitz noted the importance of getting county fire departments on the state system. He advocated for increasing the surcharge to the maximum of $3.“We will try to live with whatever comes out,” Lubitz said. “We don’t have much of a choice. We’re not on the system now. Our intercommunication between departments is almost nonexistent. I cannot talk to a police officer with this radio at all — any police officer.” District Two Commissioner and Vice Chair Larry Tiejema was one of the six no votes on the 911 Advisory Board to push the surcharge rate to $3. He said he wants to wait until the FCC decision and future projections.“I just don’t like to pile up money for future projects and charge people that money if we don’t have a clear plan,” Tiejema said. “That’s why I voted against it.” — Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@sentinel-standard.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.