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Franklin County Honors Public Safety Telecommunicators

Commissioners

April 06, 2023

Group of people standing together, some in blue uniforms, with one person holding a framed document. Flags and a wooden desk in the background.
Members of the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services team joined Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski for a proclamation presentation declaring April 9-15, 2023, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Franklin County during the commissioners’ April 5 public board meeting.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 9-15, 2023, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Franklin County. In doing so, they are highlighting the role these individuals play as a critical link between citizens and emergency services.

When emergencies occur, public safety telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact callers have with emergency responders. These dispatchers must correctly gather and relay accurate information directly to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) to ensure their prompt response to the scene of an emergency. Telecommunicators also serve as a vital resource for those responding agencies by monitoring their radio activity and by providing them with critical information.

Locally, the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services (DES) handles all aspects of call processing for fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies – with the exception of the Pennsylvania State Police Chambersburg Barracks – to 22 municipalities in the county. In 2022, DES processed over 80,000 9-1-1 calls, an increase of 6.4% from the previous year.

“We are grateful to the dedicated public safety telecommunicators who always display compassion, understanding and professionalism in high-stakes, stressful situations,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. “They are critical to protecting lives, preserving property and ensuring the safety of everyone involved in emergency situations.”

By recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Franklin County, the commissioners are encouraging everyone to recognize and thank these men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep Franklin County and its residents safe.