Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Please Join the #SMCSO in Recognizing Public Safety Dispatchers

Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to recognizing the men and women who serve as public safety 9-1-1 telecommunicators. This year, we ask that all citizens of St. Mary's County join the Sheriff's Office in honoring the often-unsung heroes of public safety – our dispatchers – during the week of April 10-16.                                     

Most people know to call 9-1-1 when they need help, but rarely do they stop to think about the nameless, faceless individuals on the other end of the line. Public safety telecommunicators are more than a calm and soothing voice when things are at their worst. They are knowledgeable and highly trained individuals who work closely with police, fire, and medical personnel.                                                      

Although not physically at the scene, the dispatchers who route your calls to the appropriate agency are truly on the front lines. Public safety telecommunicators are generally the first people citizens deal with during a crisis, and are well-trained in reassuring excited or terrified callers, as well as extracting the information necessary to send the appropriate assistance to the right place.                                                                           

Please join Sheriff Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in extending our sincere appreciation for the St. Mary’s County 9-1-1 dispatchers.