LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department honored dispatchers during a ceremony Tuesday, in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department honored dispatchers during a ceremony Tuesday, in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
The annual event occurs the second week in April, and is an effort to express gratitude toward telecommunicators within the public-safety sector who dedicate their work to serving the community.
“We are fortunate to our dispatchers who, day in and day out, offer a voice for those who are under tremendous distress,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami at the ceremony.
“Having that voice over the phone means so much to so many families. Thank you for your work. We honor you every day, but this is the one week of the year we formalize how much you mean to our team and community.”
Approximately 20 employees work within the Communications Section of KPD, and provide the quick response that is needed for those who call 911 and the non-emergency line. They are the first to respond to a multitude of calls of distress every day, including medical emergencies, fires, assaults and traffic crashes.
Certificates of honor were created for each of the dispatchers, and KPD Chief Todd G. Raybuck personally presented five to the individuals who were working during the Tuesday ceremony.
“We don’t get to say it enough, but you are all so important,” said Raybuck. “When people are in need and they can’t even help themselves, it’s you who work hard and get them the help that they need. We appreciate you. You’re a valuable part of the department.”
I doubt that any job in the universe can match the multi-tasking skills of the police/ems dispatcher. Their amazing diplomacy allows them to deal calmly and effectively with people in extreme distress as well as abusive callers. A standing ovation for those who do one of the most difficult and demanding jobs ever.