Recognizing dispatchers

For the past several years, Public Safety Agencies nationwide have recognized the pivotal role played by telecommunicators, dispatchers, communications operators, radio control personnel, all those people, by whatever job title, who utilize telephones, radios, computers and technical skill to provide support to law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services and other governmental field personnel.
Each year the second week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. In 1991, Congress proclaimed it as a national week of recognition.
The Newcastle Police Department celebrates this year’s National Telecommunicators Week — April 11 through the 17th — in honor of their dedicated dispatchers who dispatch for not only the Newcastle Police Department, but also Weston County Sheriff’s Office, Upton Police Department, Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department, Newcastle Ambulance Service, Upton Volunteer Fire and Ambulance, Osage Volunteer Fire and Ambulance and Weston County Fire Protection District. They also respond to the needs of the public in emergencies and on a routine basis 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Newcastle Police Chief Sam Keller, Weston County Sheriff Bryan Colvard, and Upton Police Chief Susan Bridge said they hope the public will take time to express appreciation for the six dedicated dispatchers who work around the clock, all year long, to support their officers in the field and help keep the public safe.