911 Disptachers To Be Recognized This Week For Service911 Disptachers To Be Recognized This Week For Service

4/15/13 - It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and local dispatchers are recognized for their invaluable work to all of public safety whether its law enforcement, safety or EMS. Mary Reed is a 911 operator with Livingston County Central Dispatch and tells WHMI the job they do often defined in the public mind by its very title, but insists they do much more than just dispatch first responders to an accident scene or other emergency. Reed says she and her fellow operators are usually the first point of contact when there is an emergency and it’s their job to make sure the proper resources are being sent while also working with members of the public who are frantic and trying to guide them through what is often the worst moment of their lives. She adds that Livingston County 911 dispatches for seven local police agencies, including the sheriff’s department and State Police, as well as eight county fire departments in addition to Fenton and Fenton Township when an incident takes place in various areas of Tyrone Township. Their responsibilities also include dispatching Livingston County EMS and calling Survival Flight if necessary. In all, they take in approximately 150,000 calls for service each year, which breaks down to more than 500 per day. The department will hold their annual awards ceremony on Wednesday afternoon which will include the announcement of their employee of the year selected by their peers. The employer of the year will also be recognized at a board of commissioners meeting in May. (JK)