In a stage production, the actors on stage are typically most noted—but their work can only be seen due to the behind-the-scenes efforts of the stage crew. Similarly, a CEO may receive the praise for a revolutionary new product, made possible by an unseen team of researchers and developers at the company.
In the public safety community, telecommunication personnel—often known as emergency dispatchers—function as the unobserved lifeline in communities’ emergency response systems. Telecommunicators play a crucial role in keeping the public safe by answering calls, dispatching responders, and providing critical assistance to callers during emergencies. As such, GenComm would like to highlight their vital work during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW).
NPSTW was initially started in 1981 as an opportunity to thank and celebrate our country’s thousands of public safety telecommunicators who serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patricia Anderson, of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, first established the event as a local celebration. As the occasion grew over the years, President William J. Clinton signed a proclamation in 1994 to officially declare each second week of April as NPSTW.
Working as unsung heroes, public safety telecommunicators are the first point of contact for the public during an emergency, and they fulfill their positions with calm and reassurance. Detail-oriented and dedicated, these hard-working professionals are quiet leaders who rise to the challenge of carrying out their life-saving mission. Their brave commitments help ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.
GenComm greatly appreciates the sacrifices made by public safety telecommunicators, and we consider ourselves privileged to have served public safety organizations for over 50 years. GenComm designs, integrates, installs, and supports dispatch consoles used by 9-1-1 dispatchers, in addition to other equipment utilized by public safety teams, such as radios, pagers, emergency lighting, and more.
Thank you to all public safety telecommunicators. We are proud to serve alongside you.