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Posted April 13, 2025
April 2025 — The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing April 13–19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This annual observance honors the dedication and professionalism of 911 dispatchers and communications personnel who serve as the critical first link in the emergency response chain.
Often working behind the scenes, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the calm, clear voices on the other end of the line during emergencies. Whether assisting with fires, medical crises, or law enforcement calls, their quick thinking and steady presence help save lives and protect first responders.
“Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services,” said the Board of Supervisors in the proclamation. “They are the single vital link for our police officers, firefighters and paramedics by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety.”
The proclamation highlights the essential functions dispatchers perform, including:
Gathering and relaying critical information from callers
Monitoring and supporting police, fire, and EMS units in the field
Contributing to the swift apprehension of suspects, suppression of fires, and emergency medical response
Exhibiting compassion, professionalism, and calm under pressure
Pottawattamie County extends its sincere appreciation to the skilled telecommunicators at the county’s emergency communications center for their role in keeping residents and first responders safe every day of the year.
The County’s dispatch team includes individuals with a wide range of experience—from those who have just started their journey, to others who have been serving the community for 20+ years. Collectively, they represent decades of commitment to public safety and service under pressure.
As part of this year’s recognition, dispatchers completed a “Meet Your Dispatcher” survey. Their answers offered a glimpse into the personalities behind the voices and highlighted just a few of the things that keep them fueled during long shifts. Responses included coffee (especially hazelnut!), Mexican food, Mountain Dew, chicken parmesan, gumbo, iced white mochas, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
While the work is serious, the people doing it bring heart, humor, and humanity to the job each day.
Citizens are encouraged to take a moment during the week to thank a dispatcher or learn more about the role they play in local public safety.
For more information about Pottawattamie County’s emergency communications services, visit www.pottcounty-ia.gov.
