logo

News Detail

Franklin County Honors Public Safety Telecommunicators

Commissioners

April 15, 2024

A group of seven people standing indoors, holding a certificate. Some are wearing matching blue uniforms. An American flag is visible in the background.
Members of the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services team joined Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski for a proclamation presentation declaring April 14-20, 2024, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Franklin County during the commissioners’ April 10 public board meeting.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 14-20, 2024, 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.

“Our 9-1-1 telecommunicators are invaluable members of not just our county staff but of our entire community,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Telecommunicators are special individuals who have to make quick decisions while remaining calm and patient as they guide callers through stressful, sometimes life-threatening situations. We are grateful for their dedication, professionalism and everything they do to keep us safe during emergencies.”

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 2023, DES received 111,820 calls and processed and dispatched 82,823 9-1-1 calls.

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.