National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 13 19
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is celebrated every second week of April each year. This week aims to honor all telecommunications staff involved in public safety communication. This week-long event recognizes and expresses gratitude to all those dedicated to saving people's lives.
Colorado County Telecommunications Supervisor Kaytln Perales said “Our dispatchers conduct various activities to help them achieve their goals and objectives during the week. For example, all shifts will play bingo with various call types. Our center will be decorated to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Being a 911 dispatcher can be a highly stressful job.
Our job requires us to remain alert and prepared to assist callers during their time of need. Our team consists of 10 dispatchers, including myself.”
Perales added “We manage multiple calls, people, and agencies simultaneously. Telecommunicators carry a great responsibility because they are the first line of hope or defense for those in need and the first to connect with people in danger. We must act quickly, remain calm, and be professional to ensure a prompt response during an emergency.
We are a vital link for the community and all first responders, ensuring their safety and well-being. Our center dispatches for the Colorado County Sher- iff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Columbus Police Department, Weimar Police Department, Eagle Lake Police Department, 10 fire departments, and Colorado County Emergency Med ical Services. Our center has made sig- nificant progress in recent years. I'm incredibly proud of my team. Their hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. We aim to be your calm voice in the darkness. Although you may not see us, please know that we are always here, ready to support and guide you 24/7, 365 days a year.”
One of Perales' favorite quotes is, "I know addresses I've never been to, peo - ple I've never seen, secrets no one can hear about, and I help those I will never meet; I'm a 911 dispatcher."
