Mt. Clemens, MI - The second week of April is recognized each year as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week,” a time to formally acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of Public Safety Dispatchers.
Telecommunicators Week began with a local initiative by Patricia Anderson in Contra Costa County, California in 1981 and quickly grew to become a national week of recognition. Just 10 years later, Congress officially designated the second week of each April as a period to remember the critical role that dispatchers play in keeping us all safe.
"Dispatchers are oftentimes the first of the first responders the public has contact with," said County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "They are essential in connecting the public with our police, fire and EMS personnel. Although this is the nationally recognized week, I want all dispatchers to know they are appreciated each and every day for the incredible work they perform.”
These dedicated individuals are available seven days-a-week, 24 hours a day, ready to jump in to help whenever that call comes in. 911 dispatchers are among the first and most critical contact citizens have with emergency services.
“Our dispatchers are highly trained and dedicated to their profession,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “The unknown exists every time they answer a 911 call or an officer's radio transmission. Our dispatchers are caring, compassionate and care for the safety of our citizens and the first responders who serve them. I thank all public safety dispatchers for a job well done.”
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office is always looking for career-driven individuals to join their dedicated team of 911 dispatchers to make a positive difference in the community. Whether you are graduating high school,attending college or considering a career change, this is a great opportunity. And it’s more than a job. For more information on becoming a Macomb County 911 dispatcher, please visit sheriff.macombgov.org/sheriff-recruitment.
A video message from Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Sheriff Anthony Wickersham can be viewed on YouTube and a raw video file for media use can be found here.