DIGHTON — Chief Robert MacDonald and the Dighton 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 Dighton Public Safety communications center consists of eight full-time and part-time dispatchers who 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.
“Our police officers and firefighters would not be able to do their jobs serving the people of Dighton without the support of our emergency communications staff,” Chief MacDonald said. “They play a critical role in keeping our residents safe, and it is important we recognize them for the hard work and dedication they show on a daily basis.”
Members of the Dighton Public Safety communications center include: Paul Beaudoin, Alora Clemens, Theresa Costa, Nicholas Faria, Justin Jackson, Brian Lehane, Paul Reed and Vanessa Smith.
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 nature of calls has changed during this ongoing health crisis, as has the interaction that is required between first responders and the community,” Chief MacDonald added. “Our emergency communications staff has done their part making sure these interactions are done as safely as possible. “
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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