ASHBY — Chief Fred Alden and the Ashby Police Department would like to recognize the town’s public safety dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
During the week of April 12-18, public safety agencies take time to reflect on the critical role telecommunications professionals play in supporting the work of first responders. This week honors the thousands of men and women across the country who respond to emergency calls, dispatch first responders and equipment and render life-saving assistance to residents.
“The Ashby Police Department would like to extend our gratitude to all telecommunicators,” said Chief Alden. “Telecommunicators are an integral part of our operations. They are responsible for receiving and conveying information in an accurate, timely manner. We wouldn’t have the necessary tools needed to render our services without the crucial information they provide.”
Ashby’s four communications professionals, and an additional two who will soon begin training, are specially trained to handle thousands of calls for service every year. While their work is done outside of the view of the public, they are an essential resource for first responders and the public alike and serve as the first point of contact for members of the public seeking help in an emergency.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, dispatchers are on the front lines with first responders ensuring that they have all the information needed to safely respond to calls for service. The department asks for your patience when calling as dispatchers are asking additional health screening questions in order to provide first responders with information to limit the spread of the virus.
To honor their hard work and services, the Ashby Police Department asks anyone wishing to express their appreciation to do so virtually during these difficult times. While the department is usually appreciative of those who visit the station, they ask everyone to maintain the proper social distance and to wait to visit once again until things begin to return to normal.
About APCO International
APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association, and it sponsors National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week each year.
It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.
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