SACRAMENTO- April 8-14, 2018 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time to recognize our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members who are CHP Public Safety Dispatchers, and CAL FIRE, State Parks and State Hospital Communications Operators.

These men and women answer 911 emergency calls for help, dispatch officers, and play a vital role in officer/firefighter safety.  They are the first responders you rarely see.

California Highway Patrol Public Safety Dispatchers handle every type of emergency and receive a majority of the 911 calls made from cellular phones.  They are on the receiving end of emergency calls for help involving horrific crashes, drunk or drugged driving, shots fired, road rage and every other emergency that arises.   They also are a lead role in monitoring pursuits and officer safety.

"I am extremely proud of our dispatchers. They are professional and calm when others are panicked or distressed.  They are the true first responders and watch over officer safety as well," said Tina Brazil, president of the CHP-Public Safety Dispatchers Association (CHP-PSDA).

CAL FIRE communications operators are on the receiving end of cries for help involving wildland fires, structure fires, vehicle accidents, hazmat incidents, and medical emergencies.

State Parks and State Hospitals communications operators receive the same types of calls for help and dispatch rangers and officers.

"Our CSLEA members who answer 911 calls for help and dispatch emergency crews, are skilled, highly trained professionals. They are cool, calm and patient in the peak of extreme adrenaline and panic," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "We're proud of the jobs they do every day of the week, but this week, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we get to shine a gigantic spotlight on them for the exceptional jobs they do and to say thank you.  Thank you for all you do."