Since 1991, the second week of April has been celebrated as National Public Safety Communicators Week (NPSTW). It was established to bring attention to and celebrate the work and achievements of public safety telecommunicators such as 9-1-1 dispatchers. In 2008, the entire month of April was declared by the U.S. Congress as the National 9-1-1 Education Month, which means not only are the dispatchers celebrated, but everyone is also encouraged to learn more about the optimal use of 9-1-1 services.
MdE, Inc. would like to thank all dispatchers and other public safety telecommunicators for their service. The important work you do often stays behind the scenes, but it is much valued and appreciated by everyone in your community, especially those who’ve witnessed your help first hand.
9-1-1 Education Resources
If your organization is interested in providing 9-1-1 education resources to your staff, clients or vendors, here is a great list of websites that can help you:
- National 9-1-1 Education Coalition
- National Emergency Number Association
- History of 9-1-1
- 9-1-1 for Kids
Celebrating the Telecommunicators Week
The 2016 NPSTW will take place during the week of April 10-16. If you are in the dispatch industry, then you have plenty to celebrate with your staff. The npstw.org website offers several ideas, including a cook-off competition, theme days and awards. If you are a business or a member of the general public, you can get in touch with your local police department to see if they could use donations in the form of food, gift cards or other items and money to help them celebrate this occasion.
