FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

Recognizing The Unsung Heroes That Are The Voices Behind the 911 Call

April 10-16, 2011 is National Telecommunicators Week.

April 10-16, 2011 is National Telecommunicators Week. This week is set aside to recognize the dedicated professional men and women that staff emergency communications centers (911 centers) across the country. These unsung heroes seldom receive any recognition for their untiring efforts under some of the most stressful situations one can imagine.

In most cases, when a person calls 911 it is not for positive reasons. Normally the callers are experiencing some sort of an emergency in their life. It may be something as simple as reporting a barking dog or it may be to report a catastrophic event they have just witnessed or been a part of. In all cases the dispatchers must remain calm while insuring that they obtain the necessary information for police, fire and other emergency responders to be able to successfully handle whatever the situation may be.

Because these heroes are usually “behind the scenes”, they are seldom included in average daily coverage of events involving emergency responders and, therefore, their stories are seldom told.

On Thursday, April 14, 2011 after 3:00 P.M., a Newport News Police Department Communications Division Supervisor will be available for media interviews and tours of the 911 Center. Arrangements may be made by contacting the Public Information Office. The Center is located in the basement of City Hall.
 

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