04/13/2025
It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (April 13–19), and I want to give a huge shoutout to the ones who are always there for us—especially on our worst days.
They are the calm voice on the other end of the line when panic sets in. The ones talking someone through pre-arrival CPR, dispatching EMS and fire, juggling multiple radio frequencies, coordinating with responding units—all to give your loved one the best possible chance of survival.
They are the unseen, rarely thanked heroes. Often forgotten, never in the spotlight, and yet vital to every emergency response. But the truth is—they’ve never done it for the money or the recognition. It’s a calling. It’s what they were made to do.
Did you know the average career span of a 911 professional is just 1 to 5 years? While 87% say they like or love their job, 68% report feeling significant stress at work. The job is demanding. They’re not robots—they feel. They cry. And yet they wipe that tear and take the next call.
They’re always there—every day, every night. No snow days. No weekends off. No breaks for holidays, not even the big ones with family.
So this week, I’m asking you to take a moment and recognize them.
Call your local non-emergency number and just say thank you.
Stop by the dispatch center and shake a hand.
Have your child draw a picture to brighten someone’s shift.
You might be the reason a dispatcher gets through a tough day with a smile.
Happy Telecommunicator Week to the amazing dispatchers who keep us safe behind the scenes. We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.