Recognizing Those Who Save Lives

Communities across the U.S. will recognize those who help save lives in times ofpersonal or national crisis during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (NPSTW), April 14–20.

NPSTW gives Americans the opportunity to thank 9-1-1 calltakers, dispatchers, technicians whomaintain radio and emergency phone systems, communications staff trainers, supervisors andmanagers, and other telecommunications staff across the country who work hard every day toprotect our communities.

“NPSTW is a way for us to recognize public safety telecommunicators for performing mission criticaltasks behind the scenes to support police, fire and emergency medical personnel,” said Terry Hall, president of APCO International.

The general public can honor their calltakers and dispatchers by participating in local celebrationsor sending thank you notes to their local communications center. The Association of Public-SafetyOfficials (APCO) International has established a National Public Safety Telecommunications Weekblog, where agencies can share celebration ideas, along with photos of this year’s festivities.

Citizens can share thoughts of gratitude and personal stories. Initially conceived in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office inCalifornia, Telecommunicators Week was created to raise public awareness of the hard work anddedication of public safety telecommunicators.

In October 1991, APCO International successfullylobbied to receive a formal proclamation by Congress, renaming the week National Public SafetyTelecommunications Week (NPSTW), to recognize all public safety communications professionalswho provide a vital link to the public safety services on which Americans rely every day.

To learn more about NPSTW, visit www.npstw2013.org.

Information courtesy of APCO's Hollann Treber