TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— This week, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and other public safety agencies across the country will recognize public safety telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW).
Each year beginning in 1981, the second week of April is reserved to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. This year, NPSTW is April 14th-April 20th.FLHSMV is excited to recognize the hundreds of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) State Law Enforcement Dispatchers (SLED) within all seven troops who work to protect Florida citizens, visitors, and state law enforcement as they respond to the community’s needs.
The integral work of emergency dispatchers is paramount in meeting the needs of people seeking assistance, often in traumatic and intense situations. To work in this critical role, individuals working as Public Safety Telecommunicators must complete almost 240 hours of training and pass a certification exam.
State Law Enforcement Dispatchers are an essential link to ensuring help is on its way. The seven FHP Regional Communications Centers (RCCs) averaged more than 4,000 calls a day last state fiscal year.
NPSTW is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel nationwide who serve our communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including nights, holidays, and weekends
We encourage Florida citizens to say thank you to public safety telecommunicators during this week.