Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl and Deputy Director Susan Soloway recently visited the Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety Communications Center, on Cherryville Road, in Flemington, to thank the staff in honor of Public Safety Telecommunications Week. The Commissioner Board presented proclamations of appreciation and sponsored a luncheon for all members of the communications team.
Hunterdon County recognizes the week of April 14th through April 20th , 2024, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keeps our County and citizens safe. Commissioner Director Kuhl shared, “Emergencies can occur at any time that require the dispatch of police, fire, or medical services. Our Public Safety telecommunicators are the single vital link to making sure these front-line responders are provided with the information needed to accurately respond to emergencies. We are truly thankful for each dispatcher and team member that has exhibited compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance of their job this past year, and every day.”
Emergency telecommunicators work round-the-clock on a 24/7 schedule, to take information from the public about crimes, threats, fires, acts of terrorism, medical emergencies, and other emergency matters to coordinate and connect with emergency response personnel. They must maintain a calm attitude during times of stress, display self-control during emergency situations and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.
Deputy Director Soloway stated, “We are so grateful to our telecommunicators, who are the “first, first” responders in any crisis and the most critical contact our residents have to emergency services. The safety of citizens, along with the officers and firefighters that are dispatched, is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained by our telecommunicators.”