Dispatchers recognized during ‘National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2024 at 8:36 am

Orleans County dispatchers, which handle about 35,000 calls a year, are being recognized by Sheriff Chris Bourke during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

This week is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel across the nation who serve communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Bourke said.

“Public Safety Dispatchers are an indispensable asset in public safety,” he said. “During emergencies and times of distress, Public Safety Dispatchers quickly obtain all relevant information, assess the situation, and coordinate the appropriate public safety response, to ensure the quickest and most appropriate response.”

Dispatchers for the county are tasked with answering emergency calls, and dispatching the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Medina, Albion and Holley Police Departments, State Police, DEC Police, and all fire and EMS agencies within the county.

“Dispatchers are always heard, but rarely seen,” Bourke said. “They are the first responders to the first responders and the heroes behind the scenes.”