ETCOG proclaims next week Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and its 9- 1-1 Emergency Services Department said April 13-19 has been proclaimed Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in texas.

"Public safety telecommunicators are dedicated men and women who are invaluable in responding to the needs of Texans in emergency situations throughout the Lone Star State.

"As 9-1-1 operators and dispatchers, public safety telecommunicators are dedicated to saving lives, improving communications with emergency personnel and the public and providing life-saving information through sometimes stressful and intense situations, while doing so in a professional and caring manner.

"Throughout Texas, the Commission on State Emergency Communications works with local and state governments to ensure reliable access to emergency telecommunications services. To highlight the invaluable role of public safety communicators, the commission designates a week in April for an awareness campaign.

"At this time, therefore, I encourage all Texans to extend their appreciation to public safety telecommunicators. They serve with distinction, placing their fellow Texans first. Together, their expertise and commitment highlight the best of the Lone Star State," stated Rick Perry, governor, in his resolution on March 31, 2008.

ETCOG works closely with the ten 9-1-1 regional call centers located in 17 of the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) as they work to support the citizens they serve through 9-1-1. At these centers, a total of 150 employees are telecommunicators.

"I would like to encourage citizens to make an effort to recognize telecommunicators in their nearby police and sheriff's department," said Carolyn Flores, Director of 9-1-1 Emergency Services at ETCOG. "These individuals are always there to provide support and comfort to the 9-1-1 caller during their greatest time of need, and are rarely thanked by those they help."