Tulsa County Recognizes 9-1-1 Dispatchers For Their Vital Role

Dispatchers are often the unsung heroes when it comes to first responders. That's why the second week of April is set aside every year as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Monday, Tulsa County Commissioners issued a proclamation honoring dispatchers and their daily hard work. “It’s the master of the chaos or if you will the voice in the dark for everybody. We’re always behind the scenes and this is the one week that we try to go above and beyond in recognizing the people of 911, said Ken Stewart.

Stewart is the 911 director for the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. He's talked to people in their hour of need for two decades.

“Obviously, delivering a baby those are always memorable, but saving somebody with a mental health crisis, anytime you can assist the public and keep first responders safe. All those calls every day are memorable," said Stewart.

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week started in 1981 as a way to give dispatchers recognition for their work.

“Every day they answered a call and every day we answer and meet people from the public at their worst time in order for us to provide the best service possible for us to shine in getting them the help that they need," said Stewart.

He said the best way people can show they're appreciated telecommunicators is by being prepared and patient when they call 911. “Just remember that those folks are there to help you and the best thing they can do is understand that April is 911 education month nationally.

Remembering location and keeping track of where you are. Being prepared when you have to contact 911, said Stewart.

The need for dispatchers is great right now and both the city and county are hiring. For more information for the county CLICK HERE