PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK

It’s the week to acknowledge public safety telecommunicators from the Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center for a job well done, as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, held from April 10-16. “This is a great opportunity to say thank you to all the public safety telecommunicators for their hard work and commitment in maintaining public safety,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “These dedicated men and women play a critical role in saving lives, and quite often that goes unnoticed.”

To commemorate the week, Sheriff Golden and Freeholder Lillian G. Burry presented a proclamation to Public Safety Telecommunicator Michael Katz of Freehold, at the Board of Chosen Freeholder’s meeting on April 13th. Katz also received a special certificate of achievement for perfect attendance in 2010. “I’m grateful for this acknowledgement and honored to work with such a fine group of people. As public safety telecommunicators, we take pride in the fact that we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Michael Katz.

The Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center, staffed with 66 public safety telecommunicators, provides a high level of 9-1-1 services to 44 municipalities, dispatches for 9 police departments, 32 fire departments and 24 first aid squads. “These men and women do an exceptional job serving the County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and deserve much credit for their dedication and professionalism,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry.

During the December 26th blizzard, the Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center received approximately 17,000 calls in a 3 day period. On average, the 9-1-1 Communications Center answers an estimated 1,180 calls per day. “Our public safety telecommunicators worked tirelessly during those 3 days, and, deserve a great deal of acknowledgement for their continued efforts,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Without their commitment, police officers, firefighters and EMTs across Monmouth County would not be able to perform their daily duties in a safe and effective manner.” said Sheriff Golden.

In 1991, Congress proclaimed the second week in April as the nationally recognized week of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, recognizing the crucial role of public safety telecommunications personnel.