As we near the end of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your co-workers for the tremendous work you do to serve and protect the public. 

Telecommunicators who are members of Teamsters 117 perform incredibly challenging and stressful public safety work that is essential to our community. 

You are the first critical contact for members of the public seeking relief in the event of an emergency. You not only work behind the scenes to ensure the safety of the public, you also protect our police officers and firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio and providing them with vital information. 

As someone who worked as an emergency service dispatcher for 20 years, I know the pressures of the job and the challenges you face. You perform heroic work, but often receive little recognition for the life-saving services you provide. 

Thank you again for the amazing work you do on behalf of the public. I encourage you to share your stories on your Union’s new website at www.FamilyStrengthCommunity.org. It’s important that we let the world know what it’s like to be the first first responder.