Local telecommunicators, the link between the public and emergency responders, are being honored Friday morning during a breakfast at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center.
Congratulations Telecommunicators
The 2013 recipients of the Telecommunicator Awards are Jennifer Dray of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department, Tiffany Matthews of the Murfreesboro Police Department, Lindsey Lester of the Smyrna Police Department, Candace Elmore of the LaVergne Police Department and Kelly Dotson of the Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service.
Since being officially designated by Congress in 1991, public safety agencies across the country have recognized the instrumental role played by telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Telecommunicators are the dedicated professionals who answer 9-1-1 calls, process requests for service, and utilize technical skills to provide communications support to law enforcement, fire and rescue departments, and emergency medical services.
The second week of April is dedicated to these “first first responders” who serve as public safety telecommunicators. The local event is hosted by the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District (RCECD).
RCECD Director Steve Smith said, “It has been a long standing tradition that the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District Board of Directors has dedicated time each year to honor the outstanding men and women who answer the public’s calls to 911 seeking help."
Smith noted, “The Rutherford County Emergency Communications District continues to ensure that our 911 public safety answering points are provided the most current 911 technologies available. The benefits of such technologies however, would not be realized without the dedicated service of those individuals recognized by their departments this week.”
Created by public referendum in 1986, the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District provides Enhanced 9-1-1 emergency communications services through five public safety answering points (PSAPs) operating within Rutherford County.