Remember the Unsung Heroes of 9-1-1

At the Safer Buildings Coalition, we spend a lot of time talking about various types of technology, codes, standards, legislation, and statistics related to public safety in-building communications. We often use a statistic that shows that an estimated 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in the U.S. each year.  However, today I want to talk about a really special group of people who answer those 240 million calls called 9-1-1 Telecommunicators.  

When most people call 9-1-1 their need and thought is often that of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical services medic. Quite often, little attention is paid to the person who actually answers the phone when 9-1-1 is dialed. It is that person with the calming voice who is that first point of contact in an emergency, the person who provides reassurance that help is on the way, the person who truly is the vital link between those who have an emergency and those who will respond to the emergency scene. That is the person we call the 9-1-1 Telecommunicators, the unsung Heroes in public safety.

Although most may not think about them during the actual emergency and most will not see them on the scene. But rest assured, without them and the work they do every hour of every day, no one would ever receive the critical help they need. They are trained professionals who are a critical component of the first responder team. We are all truly blessed by the work they do. 

As we celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2021, the Safer Buildings Coalition would like to say thank you to each of the men and women who provide that crucial voice for those who dial 9-1-1 or when an emergency responder calls on the radio.  Thank you for your unwavering commitment and dedication to public safety and the public’s safety. 

Chief Alan Perdue, (ret.) CFO, FM
Executive Director