This week, April 14th through 20th, we celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time dedicated to acknowledging the indispensable role of telecommunications personnel in our public safety sectors. During Monday’s Osceola County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the county recognized our local Osceola County Sheriff’s Office 911 telecommunicators, for the vital service they provide to our community, “24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and all the other holidays,” as said by Commissioner Ricky Booth during the reading of the official proclamation.
These professionals, often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, include 911 call takers, dispatchers, technicians that maintain radio and emergency phone systems, and other telecommunications staff who ensure the safety and effectiveness of our community’s response to emergencies.
“I started in dispatch, and it’s not easy. They are actually the first on scene, they’re just not physically there, but mentally they are there talking people through very difficult situations, and it’s not easy. My hat goes off to them, and I thank you for recognizing them. They do a great job, and we have some of the best telecommunications in Osceola County,” Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said during the board meeting.
With such an important position, comes a high level of education and preparation.
During Monday’s meeting, District 5 Commissioner Ricky Booth shared, “Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Telecommmunicators receive 232 hours of specialized training at 911 public safety telecommunicators academy, state certification through the department of health, 440 hours of 911 phone training, 660 hours of radio training, 352 hours of FCIC teletypetraining, continued education training, and re-certifications annually.”
Positively Osceola would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the telecommunicators at the St. Cloud Police Department, Kissimmee Police Department for their unwavering dedication and service. These individuals are the first point of contact in the face of emergencies, acting with speed, precision, and calmness to manage critical situations that save lives and maintain public order.
St. Cloud Police Department
St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke’s telecommunications team exemplifies commitment and professionalism. They are instrumental in coordinating response efforts and providing continuous support to both the public and their fellow officers on the ground. Utilizing the latest technologies and rigorous training, the team supports both the community and their colleagues in the field with efficiency and expertise, reflecting the department’s commitment to safety and excellence. We thank them for their service!
Kissimmee Police Department
Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland’s telecommunications team showcases exceptional professionalism and dedication in their service. They play a pivotal role in orchestrating the dispatch and communications for Police, Fire, and EMS, ensuring swift and coordinated responses to emergencies. We thank them for their service!
Telecommunicators across the United States and Canada are celebrated for their hard work and critical role during this week. They often work behind the scenes, unseen but integral to the safety nets of our communities, ensuring every emergency call leads to a timely and effective response.
As we celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, let’s remember the voices at the other end of the line—voices of resilience, bravery, and professionalism. Thank you for your service and dedication. Your work does not go unnoticed, and our community is safer because of your vigilance.
Photo Source: Mark Pino, Osceola County
