Shreveport, LA – The Shreveport Fire Communications Department is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed from April 13 to April 19, 2025.
This week-long event, originally established in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, recognizes and honors the essential work of emergency dispatchers who are the first point of contact during times of crisis.
Tina Turner, Chief of Shreveport Fire Communications, shared the importance of this occasion, emphasizing that 9-1-1 emergency services are crucial during personal crises and community-wide disasters.
“The local and county emergency communications centers that receive these calls have emerged as the first and single point of contact for those seeking immediate relief during an emergency,” she said.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, and it serves to highlight the significant contributions of those working in emergency dispatch.
These professionals respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency responders and equipment, and provide lifesaving assistance to citizens. Despite the stressful and demanding nature of their work, dispatchers often go unrecognized for their tireless efforts.
Shreveport Fire Communications acknowledges the high level of dedication required in the profession. Dispatchers must remain calm and clear-headed under intense pressure, often managing multiple calls and crises simultaneously. While their work can be rewarding and fulfilling, it is also incredibly taxing, demanding both mental and physical resilience.
“Dispatching is not just a job; it’s a way of life,” Turner added. “It can be exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges—stress, exhaustion, and often a lack of recognition from the public.”
This week, the Shreveport Fire Communications Department encourages the community to take a moment to appreciate the work of these dedicated professionals who are always ready to serve, often without fanfare, in the most critical moments.
Through this observance, the Shreveport Fire Communications team aims to raise awareness about the important role these individuals play in maintaining public safety and providing vital support to first responders and the public alike.