911 Operators Keep Town Safe Behind The Scenes: Stratford Heroes

STRATFORD, CT — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Stratford Emergency Medical Service Director Michael Loiz, who nominated the Stratford Public Safety Communications Center:

Name of the nominee:
Stratford Public Safety Communications Center

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?
911 dispatch and communications

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
This group of professionals stands at the ready each day to ensure that the public receives the right response at the right time from our first responders. Often called "unsung heroes," largely due to their work behind the scenes, they work diligently and professionally in the background, acting as the "hub" of the public safety wheel.

When someone calls 911, they quickly answer, calm the caller and ask important questions about their condition. These questions are aimed at two things specifically: Responder safety and determining what can be done for the caller prior to the arrival of first responders, effectively making them the "first, first responder." The dispatcher will send help and provide life-saving instructions.

They are pre-screening all calls for COVID symptoms in order to keep responders and the public safe and help flatten the curve. They provide specific instructions to both responders and the public related to COVID.

The Stratford Public Safety Communications Center is the primary PSAP for the Town of Stratford. They are responsible for manning the E911 center and dispatching police, EMS and/or fire units to over 40,000 calls per year. They process over 128,000 inbound and outbound phone calls per year (350 per day). With all of that, they are also required to perform numerous tasks due to the 24/7/365 nature of their operation. This includes but is not limited to: performing law enforcement database checks, performing emergency medical dispatch per state statute, monitoring field assets at emergency scenes like structure fires, administrative notifications and even weather station monitoring. The center also plays an active role in the town's EOC operations.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?
Even though they are not out there in the field responding with lights and sirens, first responders and the public would not be able to get through COVID let alone the everyday emergency without these absolutely necessary public safety professionals. It all starts with them and they are amazing!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

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