Reader, Rockford Register Star

During the week of April 8 through April 14, we are honoring Rockford and Winnebago County 911 telecommunicators who are committed to providing a vital link between citizens who need help and the police, fire and EMS personnel who respond to their needs. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of 911 service for this community.

Our 911 telecommunicators are a team of highly trained professionals who ensure that public safety needs and calls for service from our citizens are handled efficiently and effectively. They are the first responders who save seconds as they quickly gather information and dispatch the appropriate response.

Winnebago County 911 ETSB members would like to thank our 911 telecommunicators, supervisors, support staff and managers for their continual efforts in ensuring that when a citizen is faced with an emergency or nonemergency there is comfort knowing that a 911 professional will be ready to handle the call.

— Chief Derek Bergsten, Rockford Fire Department

On behalf of Winnebago County 911 ETSB members: Chairman Richard Meyers, Barb Berman, Joe James, Don Carlson, Chet Epperson, Jim Puckett, John Presley, Mike Knoup, Don Shoevlin and Dean Stiegemeier