Caroline County proclaims Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honors dispatcher; CASA urges volunteers during Child Abuse Prevention Month

Commissioners on April 14 proclaimed the week as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Caroline County and recognized the county’s 9‑1‑1 dispatchers for their role in emergency response.

Mark Sheridan, director of emergency services, introduced dispatch staff and described work underway to support mental health among dispatchers and EMS. “Each year, we recognize one of our 9‑1‑1 specialists as our... of the year person. This year, pleased to announce that’s Julie,” Sheridan said, presenting the award and noting a peer‑support team being organized with the health department and sheriff’s office.

The proclamation highlighted dispatchers’ role as the “first and most critical contact” for residents calling emergency services and called for recognition of their contributions.

Separately, the board issued a proclamation for April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Commissioner Larry C. Porter presented the proclamation and Victor Reynolds, communications and outreach coordinator for CASA of Caroline, said CASA’s volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. “At its core, our work is simple. We are called to care for those who cannot speak for themselves,” Reynolds said, and he urged residents to consider volunteering.

Reynolds said more than 40 local children are currently waiting in the system for advocacy; he invited interested residents to an April 17 pinwheel‑planting event and to speak with CASA staff after the meeting for more information.

The board recessed from ceremonial business to take up the day’s agenda after the recognitions and proclamations.