WILLIAMSTON - Honoring those who answer the calls when needed.
According to Martin County Telecommunications Director Jason Stewart, each year, approximately 250 million calls are placed to 911 in the United States.
“Here in Martin County, our 911 telecommunicators answer approximately 30,000 of those calls,” he said.
The job of a 911 telecommunicator can be tiresome, distressing and demanding. The phones never go unanswered, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
“This often means time away from family, missing important events and working overtime when there just isn’t anyone to fill in,” Stewart continued.
Telecommunicators often speak to people on the worst days of the caller’s life. Someone is hurt, a home is on fire or they have been the victim of a crime.
“We reassure, comfort and instruct, while making sure we are available for the next call that may come at any moment,” he said.
Each year, the second week of April is designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
This week is set aside to recognize the service provided daily by thousands of public safety telecommunicators across the United States.
National Public Telecommunicators Week started in 1981 at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California.
Since that time, it has grown to include all 50 states and thousands of public safety telecommunicators.
In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed Presidential Proclamation 6667, which made National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week official across all 50 states.
“Martin County is fortunate to have a staff of dedicated and professional telecommunicators who work daily to provide the best service to our citizens, guest and responder community. Our staff’s commitment to training, continuous improvement and empathy for the community can be seen and heard every time the phone is answered of the radio is keyed,” Stewart closed.
