(City of Red Deer)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

thank you!

Recognition important during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Apr 15, 2023 | 11:04 AM

April 9-15 has been a week to thank 911 dispatchers as it is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

In Red Deer, there are 40 people who work for the municipality’s dispatch centre, and many more who staff the RCMP Operational Communications Centre for central and southern Alberta.

“911 operators and dispatchers are behind the scenes folks who are often unrecognized. They face similar traumas and similar mental health impacts as first responders,” says Chris Kearns, deputy chief, Red Deer Emergency Services.

“But they are here to help, and are passionate about their jobs, so we do like to recognize them for the work they do on a daily basis.”

Kearns says the job is truly stressful.

MAYOR KEN JOHNSTON, AND OUR TOP STORIES

From sports to health care, and taxes to culture, here's a look back at Red Deer in 2024

22h ago

MAYOR MEGAN HANSON

Growth, goldfish, and water conservation: 2024 in Sylvan Lake

Dec 31, 2024

Plan for safe travels

RCMP: Increased enforcement ahead of New Years Eve

Dec 31, 2024

“They hear all sorts of things and often they’re waiting on the phone with the caller until help arrives,” Kearns adds.

The City is not recruiting at this moment, but it is done on a yearly basis, he says.

“There’s always a need, especially with about 20 911 centres across the province.”

Meantime, RCMP want to remind Albertans that 911 should only be used for true emergencies. Non-emergency crimes can be reported in several different ways:

· Visit your local RCMP detachment during business calls and report in-person.

· Call your local RCMP detachment’s non-emergency line during business hours.

· Use the RCMP online crime reporting tool for things like theft under $5,000 and property crimes.

· Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) to report crimes anonymously.