Before you see the lights or hear the sirens of your first responders, you most likely have already interacted with the first first-responders. Each time the residents of Walla Walla County call the 911 center (which, by the way, was over 85,000 times in 2019), the...

They’re the voices you hear on the other end of a 911 call and they’re dispatching important information during emergencies. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — They’re the voices you hear on the other end of a 911 call and they’re dispatching important information during...

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, and it’s a good time to thank your local dispatchers.The Putnam County 911 Center has 12 full-time dispatchers, said Putnam County 911 Assistant Director Brandon Smith.“We have 20 employees total, including...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Because of the coronavirus, Orange County Fire Rescue is training members of their team to take on a new role. Those who work in the Fire Marshal’s Office who have duties like inspecting buildings, will now have the chance to work in the 911...

On a daily basis, we see the work that officials like police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews do to keep our communities safe. A group not on the front lines that plays a large role in those efforts, though, are public safety dispatchers. The second week of April...

In 1991 Congress proclaimed the second week of April as National Public Safety Dispatcher Week to honor and recognize the men and women who serve as the first “first responders” when you need help. Whether you need police, fire or medical personnel, when you call...

CONCORD, N.H. — The week of April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, a time to honor those first responders that are rarely seen by the public. "We're the voice, first responder voice that you'll never see," New Hampshire State Police...

Emergency services dispatcher Pamela Olsen has amassed “tons” of experiences during her near-quarter-century career. From bank robberies and high-speed chases, not to mention the mass of changes with the job itself, 911 director Shelley Peterson said Olsen is one of...

When a call is taken, these individuals not only gather crucial details from a caller, but also paint a detailed picture of the situation to police officers, firefighters, and EMS responders all without seeing the scene.

BUCKHANNON — Often, we forget about the true “first responders” – our 911 telecommunications personnel in the public safety community.  The second week of April is dedicated to honoring 911 center workers, formally known as “National Public Safety...

Unsung heroes are being celebrated this week: 911 dispatchers. April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The Joint Communication Center employs 13 full-time dispatchers, with a new hire starting Monday, said JCC Communications Director Rachel...

HARR – It’s National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Officials say it takes a special person to answer emergency calls and to listen to a person at their worst moment. Emergency 9-1-1 dispatchers are the silent heroes. A lifeline most callers never get to meet....

GREENSBORO, N.C. — It’s National Telecommunicator’s Week, and our local 911 operators are celebrating with a great challenge! RapidDeploy launched the challenge. “We know that this has been a challenging time for telecommunicators and first responders, but we...

Sheriff: 'Our jobs are made a lot easier by the work they do' MECOSTA, OSCEOLA COUNTIES — Police agencies throughout Mecosta and Osceola counties are taking some time this week to thank those who work with them on the front line of emergencies in honor of Dispatcher...

During statewide, national, or even global incidents, public safety dispatchers provide a calm, professional voice and an essential link for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the public. To highlight their service, the CHP joins other law enforcement agencies to...

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Life has changed for nearly everyone since the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Michigan. Ever since, dispatchers have had to put their own worries aside to continue keeping the public safe, and they're doing it in new ways. The center still...

LACONIA — The homeowner whose house is on fire. The woman whose ex-boyfriend is trying to break the door down. The guy who has just come home to find his roommate unconscious on the floor — perhaps from a drug overdose. The wife whose husband is having a heart attack....

Citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the men and women who work in public safety telecommunications. These knowledgeable and highly trained individuals help save countless lives by answering emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching law...

Our Managing Editor talks with Nonie McCandless about COVID-19 and its affect on a rural communications center WATCH VIDEO