Alexandria, VA — In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), April 10 – 16, 2016, this week communities and 9-1-1 centers will honor those who help save lives in times of personal or national crisis.

NPSTW gives communities the opportunity to thank 9-1-1 calltakers, dispatchers, technicians that maintain radio and emergency phone systems, communications staff trainers, supervisors and managers of communications centers, and other telecommunications staff across the country who work hard every day serving the public.

“They might work in a big city consolidated PSAP or a rural 9-1-1 center, and they might be using basic equipment or be outfitted with NG9-1-1 technology, but they are all part of the tremendous network of public safety telecommunicators that provide the voice of our emergency services. They make up the WE of our association and our profession and should be celebrated today and every day,” said Brent Lee, president of APCO International.

The Association of Public-Safety Officials (APCO) International has established a website (www.npstw.org) dedicated to this week of recognition where individuals can share their personal stories about working in this important profession. There are also resources and tips to help plan NPSTW 2016 activities.

To learn more about NPSTW, visit www.npstw.org.

APCO International® (www.apcointl.org)
APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.