Commissioners proclaim Telecommunicators Week, declare Month of the Young Child; employees raise $720 for 4‑H therapeutic riding center

Franklin County commissioners issued two proclamations and recognized a county employee charitable effort during the meeting. The board declared April 13–19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Franklin County and proclaimed April as the Month of the Young Child.

Mary Kay Sabille, director of emergency services, introduced the telecommunicators proclamation and thanked dispatchers as the “first responders” who take the first calls from the public. The proclamation text read on the record thanked telecommunicators for their professionalism and noted their role in protecting lives and property.

The board also read a proclamation declaring April as the Month of the Young Child, citing work by First Start Partnership for Children and Families and the National Association for the Education of Young Children to emphasize early childhood development and the need for quality early-learning opportunities. Jen Halbecker and representatives from First Start joined the meeting to accept the proclamation.

County human-resources staff also presented a “dress-down” check award recognizing a March fundraiser that collected $720 for the Franklin County 4‑H Therapeutic Riding Center on Franklin Farm Lane. Carrie Kenny said 147 employees across 22 departments participated. Susan Bridal, director of the riding center, said the program serves more than 60 riders and uses funds for adaptive saddles, rain supplies and feed for the horses.

Commissioners thanked county staff and volunteers for supporting these community programs; both proclamations were approved by voice vote, and staff posed for photographs with program representatives.