CAPCOG, in its capacity as the Capital Area Emergency Communications District, will recognize the community service emergency telecommunicators perform for the region during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week — April 9 through 15, and support National 9-1-1 Education Month — April — to help residents understand how, why, and when to call 9-1-1. CAPCOG encourages local jurisdictions to also participate.
“Emergency telecommunicators are often the first person someone in crisis talks to; that conversation could be the difference between life and death,” said Pamela Frisk, CAPCOG 9-1-1 senior training and public education specialist. “The job is tremendously hard and stressful and having your dedication recognized goes a long way in supporting your tireless work.”
More than 800 emergency telecommunicators work at 28 public safety answering points in the 10-county region answering more than 1.5 million calls per year providing the emergency service 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. As part of National Public Safety Week, CAPCOG will provide emergency telecommunicators with a token of gratitude, but the real work of honoring these first, first responders is done by local officials, police and fire departments, emergency medical services and residents through recognition ceremonies, treated lunches, parties and more.
As part of National 9-1-1 Education Month, CAPCOG will participate in a social media campaign meant to answer questions such as how to be prepared to call 9-1-1, what will telecommunicators be asking the caller, or why does the caller need to repeat the address. The campaign is being led by the 9-1-1 Public Educators of Texas; local jurisdictions can follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share the campaign.
