Daytona Beach, Fla. — Americans have a chance to thank the public safety telecommunicators who work hard everyday to protect our communities during the upcoming National Public Safety Telecommunications Week April 10-16, 2011.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 10-16, 2011) was established by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (Calif.) Sheriff’s Office in 1981 to raise awareness of the hard work and dedication of 9-1-1 calltakers, dispatchers and other telecommunications staff.  These include the technicians that maintain radio and emergency phone systems, those that train communications staff and the supervisors and managers of communications centers across the country.  Telecommunicators provide a vital link to the public safety services on which Americans rely every day. 

The general public can honor their calltakers and dispatchers by sending thank you notes to the agency or participating in local celebrations. The Association of Public Safety Officials International (APCO) has established a National Public Safety Telecommunications Week blog where agencies can share celebration ideas along with photo and video of this year’s festivities. Citizens can post notes of thanks or other thoughts on the blog as well.  

 “Public Safety telecommunicators perform the mission critical tasks behind the scenes supporting police, fire and emergency medical personnel on the street,” said Bill Carrow, president of APCO International. “This week each year is a small way all Americans can share their gratitude for the telecommunicators who are just a phone call away in times of personal or national crisis.  They are the true first of the first responders.”

 About APCO International
APCO International is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide—and the welfare of the general public as a whole—by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.  www.apcointl.org