In 1991, Congress proclaimed the second week in April as National Telecommunicators Week, in honor of the emergency telecommunications dispatchers who field 911 calls around the country. In the years since, the event has spread to every corner of the United States in celebration of these individuals who dedicate so much of their time to public service. This event is dedicated to the men and women responsible for dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical services to those in need. When it comes to emergency situations, dispatchers are the citizenry’s first point of contact. Their role in public safety is vital, and the importance of their work is unquestionable. Even when faced with the most difficult circumstances, tele communicators must be calm and prepared, and must be able to maintain a positive attitude to help every frightened, distressed, or angry caller.
This year, the Cambridge Emergency Communications Department will be celebrating our dispatchers with a weeklong celebration. We will also be recognizing three of our employees for going above and beyond. The 2018 Dispatcher of the Year, recognized for outstanding service in the Emergency Communications Center, is Katelyn Harrington, a dedicated dispatcher since 2017. Our Trainer of the Year, recognized for ensuring our employees become cross trained to contribute in all areas of the ECC, is James Maybury; certified trainer since 2015. Our Supervisor of the Year, recognized for excellence in managing day to day operations in the Emergency Communications Center on a daily basis, is Joseph Sullivan; Joe has been a supervisor with Cambridge ECD since 2000. Along with these special awards, the department will be hosting activities throughout the week, presenting small gifts to each of our telecommunicators.
For information about the Emergency Communications Department or emergency services resources, please visit our website at www.Cambridge911.org or contact Christina Giacobbe, Director of Emergency Communications and 911 at 617-349-6911.