Mitchell County issues proclamations honoring line workers, firefighters and telecommunicators; April declared Child Abuse Awareness Month

During its April 7 meeting the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners adopted several ceremonial proclamations recognizing emergency response workers and an awareness month.

The board resolved to:

- Designate April 18 as Line Worker Appreciation Day in Mitchell County, citing the U.S. Senate resolution that designates a national Lineman Appreciation Day and recognizing line workers’ role in storm restoration.

- Declare May 3, 2025, as Mitchell County Firefighter Appreciation Day to honor volunteer firefighters who assisted residents during the storm and continue to serve the county.

- Proclaim the week in April 2025 designated nationally as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week for local recognition of dispatchers and telecommunicators who coordinate emergency responses.

- Proclaim April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness Month and encourage citizens to recognize organizations and professionals who work to prevent and respond to child abuse.

Why it matters

Commissioners said the proclamations acknowledge the contributions of essential workers — line crews, volunteer firefighters and telecommunicators — who were repeatedly called on during the storm response and recovery. Board members paused the agenda to present certificates and take photographs with honorees, and voiced public thanks.

Board action

Each proclamation was read into the record; motions to adopt were made and approved by voice vote. The board asked staff to schedule commemorative events and photos with the honored groups.