HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-04-2023; 4-a - Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 4, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Laurie Piche, 919-245-6157
Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6123
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing the week of April 9 -15, 2023 as Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week in Orange County, highlighting First Responders for their amazing work
throughout the year.
BACKGROUND: Every year across the nation, the second full week of April is dedicated to the
professional women and men who serve as public safety telecommunicators. First conceived by
Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (California) Sheriff's Office in 1981, this practice
was recognized by Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts) in what became House
Joint Resolution 284 to establish "National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week". With the
continued efforts of the International Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and
the National Emergency Number Association, the act to recognize public safety
telecommunicators became a permanent proclamation in 1994.
Each day hundreds of Orange County residents and those passing through rely on the expertise
and dedication of public safety telecommunicators. These professionals help save countless lives
by answering emergency calls, dispatching law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical
personnel and equipment, as well as providing support to the residents and visitors of this county.
Their skills in high-pressure situations assist in providing rapid emergency response, aid, and
compassion in times of great distress and critical decision-making within seconds.
Orange County Communications is the primary answering point for all emergency and non-
emergency service calls in the County. In 2022 NC Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
answered 7.5 million 9-1-1 calls. Orange County 9-1-1 telecommunicators answered 84,314 9-
1-1 calls and handled over 107,000 administrative calls. The telecommunicators dispatched over
180,000 calls for service with an average of five telecommunicators on duty. The communications
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center operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred sixty-five days a year,
with a staff of twenty-eight full-time telecommunicators.
Orange County's telecommunicators continue to strive for excellence in their performance and
are among the most highly trained in the state.
Orange County's telecommunicators provide a valuable service to residents, visitors, and public
safety providers.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact applicable to consideration of the attached
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Through recognition and activities associated with Public Safety Telecommunications Week,
Orange County shows its appreciation for employees who help promote and maintain safety in
the community.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the Proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK
2023
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, emergencies can occur at any time that requires police, fire, or emergency medical
services; and
WHEREAS, when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police officers, firefighters, and
paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and
WHEREAS, the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the quality and
accuracy of information obtained from individuals who telephone the Orange County Emergency
Services 9-1-1 Communications Center; and
WHEREAS,Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first, and most critical contact our residents
and visitors have with emergency services; and
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the single vital link for our police officers,
medical responders, and firefighters by monitoring their activities via computer and radio,
providing pertinent information, and helping to ensure their safety; and
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators of Orange County Emergency Services have
contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, and treatment of
patients; and
WHEREAS, each Public Safety Telecommunicator of Orange County Emergency Services has
exhibited compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance of their job in
the past year;
NOW,THEREFORE,we,the Orange County Board of Commissioners,hereby proclaim the week
of April 9 through 15, 2023 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, in honor and recognition
of our County's Telecommunicators whose diligence and professionalism help keep our county,
residents, and visitors safe.
Adopted this 4th day of April,2023
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners