During the Cleveland County Commissioner’s meeting on April 16, 2024, a significant proclamation was made to honor the vital role of emergency dispatchers in the community. Captain Chris Hutchins, the director of the Cleveland County 911 Communications, presented a proclamation declaring the week of April 14 to April 20, 2024, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Hutchins emphasized the critical nature of the work performed by telecommunicators, who are often the first point of contact during emergencies. He highlighted that in 2023, Cleveland County Dispatchers handled a staggering 132,373 calls for service, with 52,683 of those being 911 calls. Among these, they assisted in 79 out-of-hospital births and 591 life-saving interventions for cardiac arrests and overdoses.

The proclamation serves to recognize the dedication and professionalism of these unseen heroes who play a crucial role in ensuring public safety. The Board of Commissioners encouraged all citizens to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of emergency dispatchers, reinforcing the importance of their contributions to the community.

In addition to this key discussion, the meeting included various updates on local initiatives and community services, although the specifics were not detailed in the transcript. The recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week stands out as a reminder of the essential services that keep the community safe and connected during emergencies.