The Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center will celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 14 through April 20. The week, sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, honors those who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance.
"I feel honored to be a part of our team of dispatchers and call-takers who work continuously to help those in need,” says Josh Wick, senior emergency telecommunicator. “Being acknowledged reminds me of the importance of our role in saving lives, and it’s a reminder of the recognition we deserve for the critical support we provide to first responders and the public."
His colleague Kimberly O'Neill agrees. “The National Telecommunicator Week is a time to honor the commitment and dedication of dispatchers across the country,” she explains. “Knowing that our efforts are appreciated means the world to me and inspires me to continue serving my community with diligence and compassion.”
Performing at High Level at All Times
Public safety telecommunicators provide an essential service at any time, but that is never as clear as during a disaster, says Center Director Dominick Nutter.
“To meet our community’s public safety needs our team must perform at a high level every day, despite any challenges that may arise,” he says. “At the heart of the effort are our call-takers and telecommunicators who provide outstanding service to residents and first responders.”
The ECC, also known as Raleigh-Wake 911, answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and dispatches the appropriate help. The center provides dispatching and centralized communications for four EMS agencies, eight law enforcement agencies and 20 fire departments, serving more than one million residents in an area of 860 miles.