National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

When someone has a crisis, whether it’s coming up on a multi-vehicle crash, awakening in the middle of the night to the smell of smoke, trying to get out of an abusive relationship, or seeing a spouse grab their chest in pain, they immediately call 911.

The 911 operator on the other end of the phone is committed to coordinating efforts to get the right help to the right place in the shortest amount of time.  This week is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and during this time we extend a special appreciation for the professional job our team at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office does on a regular basis. 

In 2017, our 911 dispatchers handled over 8,400 911 calls in addition to nearly 80,000 calls that came in on the non-emergency phone lines.  In serving sheriff’s deputies, city police officers, fire departments, ambulance services, state law enforcement agencies and medical helicopters, they also handled over 425,000 radio transmissions. 

Their work behind the scenes can be incredibly stressful with more than one incident often times occurring simultaneously.  They are a crucial part of our public safety team and I am thankful they choose to serve the citizens in our community, striving to be a calming and reassuring voice during times of crisis.

Please join me in thanking them for their service.

Sheriff David Groves