04/15/2026
Happy Telecommunicators Week
We try to make sure to include dispatchers in every post we make about calls we work.
We try to make sure to thank them as often as we can.
Because THEY are the true first responders. They’re the ones hearing about your worst days, first. They’re the ones coaching you through CPR. They’re the ones working to keep you calm and focused, while they’re trying to get us to you, and get information from you.
They don’t ask questions because they’re nosy. They ask to prepare us, so we can bring the most appropriate resources.
They rarely get to feel the relief of the good endings, even when fire, police, and EMS do. They take your call, and send us immediately, and then wonder forever how it turned out.
But they still do it. Every day. Without fail.
Holidays.
Weekends.
Nights.
They miss birthday, anniversaries, and untold other special occasions. Because someone has to answer the phone at all times.
As firefighters, we’re supposed to make jokes and talk smack.
And we do, frequently.
Mostly because 3 of our current members are dispatchers. One at Paragould Emergency Services-911, one at Arkansas State Police, and one at Arkansas State University.
But at the end of the day, they keep us safe. They keep us informed. They coordinate the chaos.
So we say thank you. Not just this week, but every day and every call, for the dispatchers who help us and watch over us. We would not make it, if not for you.
