From left: Center Police Department dispatchers Jolene Cooper-Tindol and Amy Lindley were presented gifts from DETCOG representatives Eliza Castillo and Jeff Adams. Center PD dispatchers not pictured are Charlene Jackson, Karen Mitchell, and Bailey Lee.
April 14, 2022 - Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a proclaim declaring April 10-16 to be Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Texas. The Center Police Department along with several businesses and organizations in the community have also given recognition to telecommunicators, “the unseen first responders.”
DETCOG presented jackets to the Center Police Department’s dispatchers. Walmart in Center provided a cake saying “Thank a Dispatcher, National Telecommunication Week.” The Center PD Ladies Auxiliary presented dispatchers with balloons and baskets of candy. The Police Department thanks all who have given recognition to these deserving few.
Donna Dugger, Center Police Department Communication Supervisor, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Police Department, "The strength of the GOLD LINE depends on great people like you who put skills and dedication into everything they do. Thanks for your dedication to the Center Police Department!"
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Proclamation reads:
In Texas, public safety telecommunications act as our "unseen first responders," serving our communities and helping save lives every day. These professionals, which included 9-1-1 operators, dispatchers, and other highly trained communications specialists, answer calls for help and address the emergent needs of callers according to the specific challenges raised by any given emergency. They process the situation, responding rapidly and often creatively to reassure frightened, upset, and confused callers while at the same time maintaining the calm, professional, and disciplined demeanor that handling an emergency 9-1-1 call requires.
Public safety telecommunicators have remained unwavering in their dedication to providing essential services to Texans in need, always adapting to an evolving emergency response field. With almost 600 public safety answering points where over 4,000 telecommunicators answer 9-1-1 calls, Texas is well-equipped with the best professionals who can provide critical assistance for Texans in times of emergency.
The Commission on State Emergency Communications works with telecommunications and local and state governments to ensure Texans have reliable access to emergency telecommunications services. Every year, the commission dedicates a week in April for an awareness campaign which highlights the many contributions and achievements of public safety telecommunications and their importance to the public safety framework of the Lone Star State.
At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about the vital role these professionals play in our everyday lives and to extend their appreciation to public safety telecommunicators. Their strength and expertise in times of crisis ensures Texans receive the help they need when they need it most.
Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim April 10–16, 2022, to be Public Safety Telecommunicators Weeks in Texas and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.
