Marking National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Apr 16, 2026 | 10:26 AM

April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honouring those who work 365 days a year, taking 911 calls and ensuring public safety.

Locally, that includes the Red Deer 911 Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) where dispatchers are answering 911 calls, and dispatching for fire.

“When a 911 call is placed, we answer the call, gather the necessary information, and either manage the call directly or transfer it to the appropriate emergency response agency, such as police or EMS,” the City explains.

“Red Deer ECC provides fire dispatch services for more than 71 fire departments, covering 74 municipalities and 142 communities. The ECC serves an area of approximately 68,000 square kilometres with a population of approximately 550,000.”

Red Deer ECC staffs a deputy chief, assistant deputy chief, 40 dispatch staff, and various support staff.

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According to the City of Red Deer, the local dispatch centre processed 165,000 calls in 2025. Of them, 41,000 were accidental or hang-ups, and 25,000 were for fire.

Additionally, Alberta RCMP shared this week that their dispatchers across the province processed 666,334 calls last year. That’s an average of 14,044 calls weekly.

“The Alberta RCMP would like to remind community members that emergency communications centres are busy at all hours with incoming calls related to public safety,” says Fraser Logan, media relations manager.

“911 should only be used in emergency situations when public or personal safety is at risk or a crime is in progress.”

In non-emergency situations, Albertans are encouraged to dial 310-RCMP, or 310-7267. Non-emergencies:

Do not pose an immediate or potential threat to life or public safety.
Include crimes that have already taken place prior to being discovered.
Often do not require police attendance but do require police response.

To report online, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. Alternatively, visit rcmp.ca/alberta and select “Report a crime” under quick links.

by Josh Hall

Marking National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

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