Franklin County Observes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and Launches New Office of Emergency Management & Communications
Date: April 12, 2025
Franklin County, Illinois — From April 13th to April 19th, 2025, officials in Franklin County will join communities nationwide in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), a time to recognize and honor the dedicated professionals who serve as the crucial link between the public and emergency services. Throughout NPSTW, we encourage residents to learn more about the important role of public safety telecommunicators and to participate in activities that acknowledge their contributions.
“Behind every emergency, there is a dispatcher guiding police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel to help those in need. Dispatchers save seconds, and dispatchers save lives!”, said Franklin County Sheriff Kyle Bacon.
Franklin County will also take another step in our ongoing effort to strengthen our 911 communications capabilities. We are proud to announce that the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency will be renamed the Franklin County Office of Emergency Management & Communications; a move that was approved by the Franklin County Board in March. As part of the 911 consolidation plan, the revamped county agency will combine emergency management and 911 telecommunications responsibilities into a single entity. Partnering with several local municipalities, the move is designed to foster increased collaboration between the county, municipalities, and public safety agencies. By consolidating resources, we aim to improve response times, reduce 911 transfers, and ensure that callers have immediate access to vital resources during emergencies. To learn more, visit www.franklincountyil.gov/better911.
“Telecommunicators have an incredible responsibility in our public safety system. They possess a great deal of talent, skill, and ability. From the moment they take the call, they begin bringing order to chaos. We are fortunate to have so many amazing individuals answering the call when needed most,” said Franklin County OEMC Director Ryan M. Buckingham. “We are truly excited to take this next step and look forward to providing best-in-class service to our citizens and first responders in Franklin County.” The OEMC is expected to start providing 911 telecommunications services later this year.
“Telecommunications personnel are a critical lifeline for our citizens, visitors, and emergency responders. These men and women are the ‘voices in the dark’ — called that because you do not see them; you only hear their calm and reassuring voices on the phone,” added 911 Director Amos Abbott.
Community members are encouraged to show their appreciation by sharing messages and stories on social media using the hashtag #NPSTW2025 and recognizing the hard work and dedication of our 911 telecommunicators.
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