With all that is going on around us and the attention being given to so many of those who serve our communities, it is fitting that this past week is set aside for us to recognize Public Safety Telecommunicators.
We seem to always focus on those resources that respond to the scene with the lights and sirens, but we often forget about the Dispatchers who are the first ones to get the call and often try to make sense out of frantic voices on the other end of the line. Without the skills of the Public Safety Telecommunicator, none of the subsequent efforts would be possible.
Each year, the second week of April is designated Public Safety Telecommunications Recognition Week. While this role in public safety is not as recognized or publicized as a Law Enforcement Officer, firefighter, or Rescue Personnel, it is undoubtedly as important as those other professions. The Public Safety Telecommunicator is the first contact in most critical events. Whether it is a motor vehicle accident, a fire, a crime, or even someone locking their keys in their car, the first voice they will hear that will ultimately get them the services they need will be the voice of a Public Safety Telecommunicator.
Most people refer to them as Dispatchers, and while this is one of the key roles they perform, there is much more to this position. Here in Kewaunee County, we are one of the last agencies with a “Dual role” in our staff. The official title for this Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department position is Jailer/ Dispatcher. This means that our Dispatchers also serve as our Jailers and our Jailers as our dispatchers. This allows us to meet the state requirement always to have two jailers on shift. While there is no requirement to have two dispatchers on at all times, having the flexibility to have a second dispatcher when those critical calls come in is an advantage.
Most of us have heard of “Multi-Tasking,” but I don’t think you can truly appreciate that phrase until you see what the typical day is like in the life of one of these staff members. Even the most minor calls will require them to take the initial call, communicate that call to the proper response unit, and simultaneously document that call with absolute accuracy. When you take this to the level of a multi-agency response to a major event such as a structure fire, their skills are truly tested. It is fitting that we take some time to appreciate those who truly are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe.
I want to personally thank all of the men and women who hold these law enforcement positions and reiterate that they do, in fact, “Serve and Protect with Pride and Integrity” the citizens of Kewaunee County just as any other member of our Law Enforcement family.
