Local dispatchers honored

In celebration of National Telecommunicators Week, the Ark-Tex Council of Governments 9-1-1 Program honored dedicated dispatchers by presenting Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office with gifts and plaques of appreciation.

In times of severe personal crisis and community-wide calamity, the first point of contact for those seeking any type of emergency services information is a 9-1-1 dispatcher. The public safety answering locations that receive these calls have emerged as the first access point for persons seeking immediate relief during an emergency.

Public safety agencies nationwide take one week a year - the second full week in April - to recognize the pivotal role played by telecommunicators who utilize telephones, radios, computers and technical skill to provide support to the public, law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services. It is designated as a time to recognize and thank the men and women of public safety communications and to publicly celebrate and honor the otherwise unsung hero on the other end of the line. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the important role of the 9-1-1 dispatcher as the first, first responder.

Thank you to all of the dispatchers who work long shifts and continually serve to provide a lifeline to those in need!

The 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Program is funded by a local service fee and provides fully enhanced 9-1-1 services for a nine-county ATCOG region, including Texarkana, Arkansas. The 9-1-1 Program provides and maintains the necessary network and equipment to ensure delivery of 9-1-1 calls to the proper answering point. Public education materials are provided to residents of the region, including book covers to all schools. The program also provides dispatcher training. www.atcog.org