Honoring the Heart of Emergency Services: Broome County 911 Dispatchers

Every year, nearly 500,000 calls pour into the Broome County 911 center, a lifeline that connects our community with vital emergency services. Of those, around 200,000 are dispatched to emergency responders—whether it's police, fire, or medical teams.

These numbers might seem overwhelming, but for the dedicated staff at the Broome County Emergency Dispatch/911 Center, it’s just another day of ensuring that help is always on the way.

National Telecommunicators Week: A Time to Recognize Their Unseen Heroism

As we reflect on the essential role of 911 dispatchers, this week—National Telecommunicators Week—we take a moment to express our gratitude. Celebrated every second week of April, this week began in 1981 and became a nationally recognized event in 1994, signed into law by former President Bill Clinton.

This is a time to honor those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, answering calls in some of the most stressful and high-stakes situations.

The Silent Heroes: 911 Dispatchers Who Are There When We Need Them Most

911 dispatchers are the calm voice on the other end of the line when people are at their worst. Whether it's a car accident, a medical emergency, or a house fire, they’re the first to respond, providing reassurance, guidance, and coordination until help arrives.

911 dispatchers manage the chaos and help save lives—often without the recognition they truly deserve. They are the silent heroes, working tirelessly to ensure our safety, all while remaining unseen.

Behind Every Call: The Faces of Broome County’s 911 Dispatchers

Though we may never see them, the dispatchers at Broome County’s 911 Center are the unseen lifeline that holds our community together. The voice you hear when you dial 911 is a trained professional, navigating multiple systems, protocols, and departments to ensure a swift response.

911 dispatchers are the calm in the storm, the ones who gather information quickly and accurately, dispatch the appropriate responders, and stay with you until the situation is resolved. Their resilience and ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments are remarkable, and we owe them more than we can say.

A Grateful Community: Why We Appreciate Our 911 Dispatchers

So, as we recognize National Telecommunicators Week, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of these everyday heroes. They’re there when we need them the most, often on the worst day of our lives, ensuring that help is on the way.

From answering calls with a reassuring voice to keeping calm while chaos unfolds, they embody dedication, service, and compassion. Let’s not forget to thank them—not just this week, but every time we dial 911.

To the dispatchers of Broome County and across the nation: Thank you. You are the heartbeat of our emergency services, the unseen force behind every successful rescue, and the unwavering calm amid a storm.