The Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Fire & Rescue commemorated April 8-15 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

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. It is a week where everyone can celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.

Public safety dispatchers provide a critical service to the community and all emergency personnel while performing their duties with integrity, quality, accountability and respect. They play a crucial role in the lifesaving process, providing an invaluable connection between emergency services and the people who need them. In 2017, Suffolk’s dispatchers received a total of 50,606 calls to 911 and 90,017 non-emergency calls. For 2018 through March 31, dispatchers have received 12,047 calls to 911 and 21,477 non-emergency 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.