Escambia County Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Escambia County invites residents to join in recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, held April 12-18, 2026. Recognized by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials each year during the second week in April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week celebrates the dedication and hard work of the men and women who serve as emergency dispatchers, 911 call-takers, radio and phone technicians, and other communication experts.

Known as the "first" first responders, emergency dispatchers serve as the critical link between the public and emergency services. These highly trained professionals answer 911 calls, dispatch first responders, and provide lifesaving instructions to callers in their most urgent moments of need.

Every day, the men and women of Escambia County Emergency Communications demonstrate unwavering professionalism, calmness under pressure, and a deep commitment to public safety. Whether guiding a caller through CPR, coordinating a rapid emergency response, or managing multiple critical incidents at once, their work is essential to protecting lives across Escambia County. In 2025, Escambia County Emergency Communications responded to 328,538 calls for emergency service, dispatching fire and EMS personnel to residents and visitors throughout Escambia County.

"I couldn't be prouder of the team we have at Escambia County Emergency Communications," Interim Chief of Emergency Communications Mark Carter said. "Working in the dispatch center creates a strong sense of family. I truly believe we have some of the best emergency dispatchers, and I thank them for their service and dedication to the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors."<_o3a_p>

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was originally established by Patricia Anderson, who was a dispatcher at the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in California, in 1981. In 1994, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was signed into law by President Bill Clinton and became a nationally celebrated event. Learn more about National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week at npstw.org.