The Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Fire & Rescue recognized National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 10-16.

In 1991, a congressional resolution designated the second full week in April each year as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Since that time, public safety agencies nationwide have recognized telecommunicators, dispatchers, communication operators and radio control personnel for the pivotal role they play in public safety.

Public safety dispatchers provide a critical service to the community and all emergency personnel while performing their duties with integrity, quality, accountability and respect.  In the last year, dispatchers at the Suffolk Emergency Communications Center located within City Hall responded to 53,887 calls to 911, in addition to 146,000 administrative calls.

As the first person on the scene of nearly every crime, fire and medical emergency, the 911 dispatcher continues to be an invaluable resource for agencies of all sizes. These knowledgeable and highly trained individuals help save countless lives by answering emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching law enforcement, medical and fire professionals and equipment, and providing support to citizens in distress — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.