National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

WHEREAS, the Public Safety Dispatchers of the Arlington County Emergency Communications Center process over 450,000 telephone calls per year, and are the first and most critical contact that our citizens have with Arlington’s emergency services; and

WHEREAS, these dispatchers are a vital link between those calling for help and police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and Sheriff’s deputies; and

WHEREAS, dispatchers monitor emergency personnel activities by radio and telephone, and provide them with lifesaving information to ensure everyone’s safety; and

WHEREAS, the safety of our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and Sheriff’s deputies depends upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained by all Emergency Communications Technicians from the citizens who contact the Arlington County Emergency Communications Center; and

WHEREAS, the Public Safety Telecommunicators of the Emergency Communications Center have contributed significantly to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fire and the treatment of patients in life threatening situations; and

WHEREAS, each telecommunicator – the unseen individual providing a calm voice when emergencies arise – exhibits compassion, empathy and professionalism, keeping our county and citizens safe;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Fisette, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim April 9-15, 2017, as

NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

in Arlington County, and urge all citizens to honor the employees of the Emergency Communications Center and recognize them for their diligence and professionalism in helping keep our county, its citizens, employees and visitors safe.

Jay Fisette, Chair