The men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department’s Communications Center will be recognized during National Dispatchers Week, April 14-20.
Congress formally proclaimed the second week of April as National Dispatchers week by House Joint Resolution 284.
Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the women and men who serve as public safety telecommunicators.
SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said it is designated as a time when citizens can thank public safety women and men who respond to emergency calls and dispatch emergency personnel during times of crisis.
“Many people take for granted the service provided by dispatchers who are the true ‘first responders’ to a citizen’s call for help,” Lewis said. “These professionals are not only the calm voice to citizens, but also to the officers faced with life and death decisions on the street. They are often behind the scenes in an emergency incident.”
Lewis said public safety dispatchers are one of the initial points of contact with the community during an emergency.
“The dispatchers’ role is crucial in gathering information, assessing, and deploying appropriate emergency response when time is of the essence,” he said. “The skills, knowledge, and dedication each dispatcher exhibits while assisting the public deserves recognition not only during this week of celebration, but throughout the year.”
