Green Country Dispatchers Honored During National Appreciation Week

911 operators are often the voice of help people hear during an emergency.

Every year, the second week of April celebrates those who work behind the front lines to keep people safe.

Chloe West is a dispatcher for Tulsa County and loves her job.

"I like that it's something new every day and it's always a challenge but it's a constantly evolving and changing profession, and you get to leave every day knowing you made a difference in at least one caller's life,” said West.

911 dispatchers pick up the calls, ask questions, get information, and send out help.

"We're the first, first responders, what we like to tell ourselves,” said Todd Sanders, who works for Tulsa County. “Without us, a lot of things in the field don't happen."

Darlene Stewart works in Rogers County and says she enjoys helping make her community a better place.

"I think it's just being able to help people,” said Stewart. “To be non-judgmental and to be there and help them out in the best possible way."

Stewart knows her job is important and is glad to see it recognized by others.

"Sometimes we feel like we're the forgotten parts of public safety,” said Stewart. “I think this week reminds us that all the people that we work with, they don't forget us. They remember us, all week long."

She says this week helps remind people like her of why they chose the field, and all the positive things about being a dispatcher.

"This week you really see the comradery and everybody really having fun and not thinking about all the bad things," said Stewart.