In 1991, the United States Congress designated the second full week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week is designated to recognize and honor the Nation’s “first” first responders — public safety telecommunicators — for their contributions to the safety and security of residents in the United States. Every day, the citizens of Richland County and the City of Columbia depend on the skill, expertise, and commitment of the men and women who answer their 911 calls.
On April 13-18 the City will help recognize these men and women who are the calm and reassuring voices on the other end of the telephone. To recognize the telecommunicators of Richland County and the City of Columbia there will be a week-long celebration.
“During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we recognize the dedicated men and women who are the first voice our community hears in times of need,” said Columbia Police Chief William ‘Skip’ Holbrook. “Their professionalism, compassion, and steady presence are critical to everything we do. We are grateful for their service and proud to stand alongside them as part of the Columbia Richland law enforcement network.”
“We truly are grateful for all the hard work that our partners in 9-1-1 put in every day,’’ said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, ‘”Our call takers and dispatchers act as our eyes and ears before our firefighters can arrive on scene at any emergency. We count on them to get crucial information from those who need help while also taking steps to keep them calm. The duty they fulfill is vital to our community and the citizens we protect.’’
During the week of appreciation, the citizens of Richland County and the City of Columbia are also encouraged to recognize Columbia-Richland 911 Communications on all via social media and thank the Telecommunicators for their skills, expertise, and commitment that are provided for our community.
For more information, please visit the Columbia-Richland County 911 Communications website at https://publicsafety.columbiasc.gov/.