From April 13–19 this year, our nation will pause to recognize the unseen heroes who answer the calls that no one ever wants to make. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is a time to celebrate the dedication, composure, and expertise of 911Dispatchers—the reassuring voices behind every emergency response.
Here in Flathead County, our public safety telecommunicators are the first first responders. Before the sirens blare and the lights flash, it’s their voices that bring order to chaos, guiding frightened callers through their worst moments and ensuring help is on the way. Every day, these operators manage hundreds of calls, coordinating with law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services to keep our community safe.
Elizabeth Brooks, Director of the Flathead County Emergency Communication Center (911 Center) leads a team of dedicated operators who work around the clock to protect our community. “Every day, our Dispatchers are there for our community, our responders and our visitors, with dedication, skill, and compassion. They are a lifeline for those in crisis, and the backbone of public safety in Flathead County. I could not be more proud of this team and the lifesaving work they do every single day,” Brooks states.
As part of this weeklong appreciation, we will be sharing insights from our incredible 911Dispatchers, giving you a firsthand look at what it’s like to be on the other end of the line, making split-second decisions and keeping our community safe.
In the fast-paced world of emergency response, public safety telecommunicators are often the unsung heroes, ensuring that no call goes unanswered and no emergency goes unnoticed. As we celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, let’s take a moment to thank them—for their service, their sacrifice, and their steadfast commitment to the people of Flathead County.
To every 911 Dispatcher who has ever answered a call in our community: We see you. We appreciate you. And we are grateful beyond words for the work that you do.