FCC Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

From Stan Blanchard: Washington, D.C. – In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, Jamie Barnett, Chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) today recognized the important role that 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers across the country serve in protecting the safety of life and property and the Nation’s homeland security.

“I would like to thank and honor the tens of thousands of 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers across the country who dedicate their time and energy to serving their communities,” Chief Barnett said. “These public safety representatives are there for the American public when needed most in our lives – to answer 9-1-1 calls and ensure that 9-1-1 callers receive professional and timely assistance and quickly get the help they need. These are heroes like Jesse Lynn Avery of Cripple Creek, Colorado, whom I met at the E9-1-1 Institute Awards dinner this year, where she was presented the Call Taker/Dispatcher of the Year Award. Jesse Lynn Avery, and so many dedicated citizens like her, save lives and help people every day. I am proud that the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International and the National Emergency Number Association call upon all Americans to recognize the thousands of dedicated professionals that make up these organizations and serve the public in difficult and stressful situations every hour of every day. National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is thus a great opportunity for me to personally express my gratitude.”

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was designated by the U.S. Congress annually as the second week of April and is intended to honor and recognize the leadership, dedication and commitment of local 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers across the nation and to also increase public awareness of the importance of 9-1-1 services and the integral role they serve in emergencies.

For more information about 9-1-1 services, including consumer information on communicating during emergencies and using 9-1-1 services, please visit: http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/services/911-services/consumer.html.