National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held during the second week of April each year and honors the contributions and dedication of public safety telecommunications personnel.
“National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is an opportunity to focus on saying ‘Thank You’ and sharing our appreciation for these essential team members,” said Interim Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) Chief Christopher Harrington. “To the entire Communications Division, thank you for all that you do to make the Clemson University Police Department and Public Safety the best we can be. I sincerely appreciate each of you.”
If you’ve ever called 911 or CUPD, then you’ve talked to a telecommunicator, also known as a communications specialist or 911 dispatcher. Telecommunications Specialists serve as the first point of contact for the vast majority of citizens in need of services from police officers, firefighters and EMS.
“The first voice heard by individuals in need is that of a 911 Dispatcher,” Harrington said. “They are a calming and reassuring presence when others are experiencing crisis, and helpful guidance for those seeking information and non-emergency assistance.”
Telecommunicators are also the lifeline for first responders in the field, providing a watchful eye for those responding to dangerous and traumatic incidents. While the actions in the field are often what is most visible to the public, without the skill and dedication of telecommunicators, many situations would result in a very different outcome.
“Officers depend on their awareness, quick thinking and expertise to effectively execute the response to some of the most difficult situations imaginable,” said Harrington. “While police officers, firefighters and EMS may respond to several individual incidents during their shift, depending on the needs, our telecommunicators respond to every call that occurs during their shifts.”
This requires that in addition to answering calls, conducting information checks, connecting callers with support services and monitoring the safety of responders via radio, telecommunicators must be ready at a moment’s notice to switch into emergency response for situations with the potential to put lives in jeopardy such as active threats, medical emergencies and fires.
In addition to their daily duties, during every major event or activity, the CUPD Communications Division supports the operations of more than 400 first responders for events like home football games. Their contributions ensure the critical flow of information between the command staff and personnel in the field, facilitating timely and informed decision-making and response.
“Without their steadfast commitment to duty, the level of service we provide would certainly be less than what our community deserves,” said Harrington.