Self Dispatched First Responder
On 04/21/97, I began my journey as a public servant with the Shreveport Fire Department. Our agency is the primary PSAP and the initial point of contact with the citizens of Caddo Parish. I had …
Switched Frequency Helps Officer in Trouble
I began my career as a 911 dispatcher just about six years ago. Four short months into my career I heard my first “plea” for an officer assist over the radio. It’s a moment I …
Who Does 911 Call When They Have A Problem?
As the person really behind (and under and inside) a console… I’m one of the people that 911 calls when they have a problem! Every call center has tons (literally TONS) of electronic equipment and …
A Chance
The first thing he said when I answered the phone was, “I just shot myself in the heart.” Given that he was still speaking, I figured he probably didn’t hit his heart, but the point …
Nothing Else
My name is Wesley Hutchens and I have worked with Forsyth County 911 since May 2000 when I was hired as 911 telecommunicator. In 2010 I was promoted to Shift Supervisor and in 2014 I …
GPS Saved a Life
Roughly six months ago I was working a radio when I was notified by a call taker that she received a 911 call from a gentleman pleading for help and said he was going to …
Grab a Shovel
I started with Bridgeton PD in September of 1978 as a police dispatcher. I had no previous experience dispatching and was pretty intimidated by the radio. The fourth midnight watch into my training, my trainer …
The Unsung Heroes
I began my career as a 911 telecommunicator in March 2012, after 4 years of working in emergency medical services. At the time I was looking to pursue a different career in public safety, when …
A Week of Events
We host a week of events. Mon-Fri we do “spirit week” and I pick a different theme for each day. We obtain lots of donations and we always host a food competition on Wednesday. This …
Quick Action Saves Man from Fully Engulfed Overturned Vehicle
I was sitting at the police console that dispatches for 4 cities including Black Diamond, Wash. on a Sunday morning. Black Diamond is a small town in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and usually …
NPSTW Cook-off Competition
Our center is looking at doing a friendly cook-off competition with other local center. We do not have a commercial kitchen and are forced to cook creatively with crock pots, microwaves and nuwave cooktops. So …
My Opinion
I know the phrase “everybody has got one.” These are just my thoughts and not intended to offend anyone. Working in the field of public service, especially law enforcement and 9-1-1 is similar to serving …
Giving back
On the afternoon of 7/11/07 I was at work in Jacksonville, NC at a rehab facility for teen sex offenders when I got a call from a neighbor that I needed to come home. With …
About NPSTW
Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community, are honored. This week-long event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s …
Have Some Fun With Theme Days
Many agencies choose to celebrate NPSTW with dress themes for different days during the week. Here are some of their ideas from previous years:
NPSTW 2015: Cajun Theme
Every year for National Telecommunication week we pick a theme and go all out with it. We decorate our break room, host a party, and dress according to out theme. This year was Cajun Theme. …
NPSTW 2007: Open House
Union Township celebrated Telecommunications week by hosting an open house for our Communications Specialists (dispatchers) and their families. We felt it was not only important to recognize our dispatchers, but also an opportunity to show …
NPSTW 2015: Theme Days
Sheriff Darnell punching out a shark! Communications Training Staff from left to right, Tommy Clifford, Kim Kutner, Danielle Brightmon, Carole Burchfield, Nicole Ferguson, Danika Lubold, Mable Parales, and of course, Sheriff Sadie Darnell.
NPSTW 2015: Group Photo
Each year we take a group photo – we are a very small but tight knit group. As far as celebrating – we had a potluck and invited our families. We announced our Telecommunicator of …
A Token of Your Appreciation
Comm centers across the country take the opportunity during NPSTW to recognize outstanding employees. Some have banquets and bestow awards, while others take a more casual approach.
Tell Us Your Story
As a public safety telecommunicator, you’ve heard it all. Now we want the rest of the world to hear about you. For National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2017, we’re collecting your stories and sharing them …
Celebrating NPSTW Without a Budget
So you want to celebrate public safety telecommunicators week, but you don’t have any designated funds? Here are some creative low/no cost ideas shared by your peers:
NPSTW 2007: Recognition
Dispatchers were presented proclamations from the State of Mass House of Representatives and the City of Gardner for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and honoring our dispatchers. It was a nice afternoon! Also the Chief, …
NPSTW: The Backstory
Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. Although we know from history that the idea started in 1981 with Patricia Anderson of the …
Extending the Recognition
In addition to offering an opportunity for celebration and recognition within your agencies, NPSTW is the perfect time to reach out to other PSAPs, the media and government agencies asking them to help honor telecommunicators and their …
