National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: A time to show appreciation

MERCER COUNTY, W.Va. (WVVA) - First responders are often acknowledged and appreciated for their much-needed contributions to our communities.

There are, however, other key players involved in the work first responders do who can often feel overlooked. Julie Lockheart, the training officer for dispatchers at the 911 center here in Mercer County, says they are often overshadowed by the very people they are working with.

“Sometimes, people forget about 911 dispatchers because they see the officer on scene, or the fireman or paramedic,” She said. “They tend to forget how they get there in the first place.”

We’re now in the middle of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time set aside each year to both honor and recognize all of the difficult work that 911 dispatchers do on a daily basis. Cathy Brock, a dispatcher at the 911 center, says not to be fooled by how easy it might seem.

“It’s more than just you know talking to people in the community.” Cathy explained. “We basically kind of just work through everybody’s emotions, sometimes it’s really bad but sometimes it’s not. Then we just find the right people to help them.”

Even with such a pivotal role, Lockheart tells us that it can feel like they often times get lost in the shuffle when it comes to the many moving parts involved in the emergency response process.

“We’re kind of forgotten in reference to the job that we do to help get citizens the help that they need.” Lockheart explained.

While dispatchers may feel as if they’ve been pushed to the side in the heat of the moment, this week goes a long way towards showing them the community they serve has not forgotten about them. Lockheart says she is grateful for the support and recognition from the area.

“The amazing thing about it is we have a community that supports us, and our administration is amazing.” She said, beaming with pride in her community. " If we ever need help ourselves, we know who we can call ourselves.”

Local businesses and administrator have pitched in, donating what they can to the center. Lockheart also wants to extend her gratitude to the community for the recognition, love and generous donations they have received. She adds that the next time you give them a call, try to remember to give them a thanks for all the hard work they do.