Honoring Paradise Valley’s emergency dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators week

Emergency dispatchers are essential workers who are showing up for work every day to make sure that the services we need are accessible. Their commitment to service is never more evident than in a crisis and their commitment is shining brightly today.”

Communications Manager Shauna Henrie

The Paradise Valley Police Department is honoring its emergency dispatchers by releasing a highlight video unveiling the depth of care and realities confronted by the public safety telecommunicators.

The recognition is in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which is celebrated April 12-18.

When an Emergency dispatcher terminates their contact, at times it’s the last contact they will have with that person. It can be tough thought to handle when all that can be assured is that help is on its way, according to a press release.

“Emergency dispatchers are essential workers who are showing up for work every day to make sure that the services we need are accessible. Their commitment to service is never more evident than in a crisis and their commitment is shining brightly today,” said Communications Manager Shauna Henrie.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week highlights the very first responders for each call for service the Paradise Valley Police Department receives, its Emergency dispatchers. Every hour of every day hundreds of these dedicated individuals across the country answer 9-1-1 calls, dispatch police, fire, and medical services, and talk citizens through some of the worst days of their lives.

But, who are they and what other skills must they have to do their job?
Emergency dispatchers are a wonderful group of caring people who work to find solutions, the press release stated. They are each part of a family and represent diverse families within the community. They train for hundreds of hours to operate multiple computer systems, radios, complex phones, and other
equipment.

They learn about law and crime, human interactions, how to communicate effectively in challenging circumstances and with people who may be frightened, hurt, confused or angry. Emergency dispatchers learn to actively listen and to gain control of a situation with only their voice over phone or radio. They care about others and have a desire to make a difference in our world.

The Emergency dispatchers in Paradise Valley operate 24/7. Emergency dispatchers do far more than just answer phones. They not only send help where it’s needed, but they are there to direct citizens who are looking for local resources.

They assist officers by looking for critical information to help locate someone in crisis or to find an address, phone number or name. Emergency dispatchers ensure that critical information is shared with other agencies who all work as a team to keep citizens safe. They maintain order in chaos and keep detailed records of every action while relaying critical details to all responders.

The Paradise Valley Police Department urges residents to sign up for its Alert PV portal to help relay vital information in case of an emergency as well.

“Individuals will receive notifications that will improve safety in our town and help inform residents of potentially life-saving actions they may need to take in an emergency,” said Peter Wingert, chief of police, of Alert PV. “The information in Smart911 Safety Profiles and the emergency notifications allows both residents and first responders to be better informed in an emergency situation.”

If you have a chance, please thank an Emergency dispatcher by sharing PVPD’s highlight reel and leaving a comment when it’s released for the department to share with its personnel. The job they do is critical, challenging and important for all to hear. While they are often a voice on the other end of a phone line, they are caring and committed professionals who have dedicated their careers to providing help where it’s needed.

Watch the video on Paradise Valley's emergency dispatchers on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QH5sneFojs&feature=youtu.be

To sign up for Alert PV, go to paradisevalleyaz.gov/AlertPV.