OP-ED: Remember the Work of Watertown's Hidden First Responders - the Dispatchers

In all of the well-deserved praise for Watertown's first responders in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, we also need to remember to thank and appreciate the dispatchers who handled the calls that began . These men and women, who work in the quiet shadow of our police and firefighters, are the "first" first responders in any emergency.
 
As Vice-President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) – America's 9-1-1 association – I had the honor of coordinating a meeting with six of the nine Watertown dispatchers and representatives of NENA's national office and the Massachusetts State 9-1-1 Department. The day included visits to Watertown, Cambridge (hosted by Director George Fosque from Watertown), and Boston to have conversations with the dispatchers and 9-1-1 call takers on duty during the bombing and the pursuit and capture of the Tsarnaev brothers.
 
The meeting with the Watertown dispatcher team was very powerful as they discussed the initial call from Cambridge and the activities that followed during that difficult day. The dispatchers, like their law enforcement and fire service colleagues, worked together diligently to protect the people of Watertown and the first responders at risk. The scene was repeated in Cambridge and Boston that day – the professionalism and passion displayed by the Watertown dispatchers was common throughout the region.
 
With the strong support of Police Chief Deveau and Captain Dupuis, two Watertown dispatchers have been invited to attend NENA's national 9-1-1 conference in Charlotte in mid-June to join dispatchers from other major events in the U.S. over the past year. This trip to recognize Watertown's finest is being sponsored by 9-1-1 Cares, a national association supporting dispatchers. It will be my honor to stand with them as they receive national recognition for their fine work.
 
I've worked in public safety communications for over a decade now, both as Executive Director of the State 9-1-1 Department and in the private sector. I've learned a lot about the amazing work of 9-1-1 dispatchers and call takers across the state and nation. But now I know that we have that same kind of professionalism and passion in Watertown. The Watertown dispatcher team is a bit part of why we are truly "Watertown Strong"!
 
Paul Fahey is the President of Fahey Consulting Group and a candidate for the Watertown Town Council.