Metro Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

From April 12-18, 2026, Metro will join communities across the nation in observing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the professionals who serve as the first, first responders during emergencies.

In Nashville and Davidson County, personnel at the Nashville Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) provide critical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays and severe weather events. These highly trained professionals answer calls for help, dispatch emergency services, and serve as the vital link between the public and first responders in the field.

Every call they answer is different, and those answering 911 calls are human, just like you.

Their impact is most evident during times of crisis. During Winter Storm Fern, Nashville dispatchers answered more than 32,000 calls for service in the first few days after the storm. Between January 24 and January 25, 2025, emergency call volume surged by more than 700 percent alone.

Connected by a Call, Bonded for Life: Kharma, Shonna, and Jackson

To highlight the importance of these individuals who serve as the lifeline for Nashvillians and visitors alike, Metro Nashville is sharing a special video that offers a glimpse into their work and the human connections behind every call.

History of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was established in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in California. Created to raise awareness and appreciation for a profession that often works behind the scenes, the week has grown into a nationwide tribute honoring the calm voices and steady hands who guide communities through their most critical moments.

About the Nashville Department of Emergency Communications

The Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications serves as the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Nashville and Davidson County.