Washington: TCs Celebrate Dress-up Days, Food & Fun
(Tacoma, Wash.) – South Sound 911 recognizes Apr. 14-20, 2013, as Public Safety Telecommunications Week, honoring the first of the first responders – those who answer emergency calls and dispatch life-saving assistance every day. Every year during the second week of April, telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored during a week-long event and here in Washington state, Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation urging citizens to recognize the important contributions we all make to the community.
“People are so overwhelmed with work,” Communications Officer Laurel Leonard said. “It is very nice to have recognition.”
As is tradition, the communications center set a schedule of fun dress-up days and food and social events throughout the week. However, unlike previous years, this year is our first Public Safety Telecommunications Week as South Sound 911!
On Monday, we rolled out the red carpet for “Dress Up Day,” presentation of the proclamation, and celebration cake. On Tuesday, dispatchers and call takers saddled up to the taco bar buffet in their finest western/cowboy attire. Headsets became accessories to “Crazy Hair Day” on Wednesday – but even employees who styled their hair as usual could still indulge in the ice cream social. Thursday’s “Funny Hat and/or Shoe Day” was a real kick, and the finger food buffet was a sampler’s delight! The grand finale barbecue feast will be celebrated on Friday, which is also “Favorite Sports Team Day.” The barbecue is a big lunchtime event where we invite employees from our partner agencies to stop by, grab a bite, and chat a bit – a great way to end the week!
“It is fun,” Communications Officer Carolyn Mingo said of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. “The thought of it is great.”
South Sound 911’s staff is already looking forward to exploring even more creative ways to celebrate next year!
In December 2012, employees of the Law Enforcement Support Agency (LESA) became the first employees of South Sound 911, a newly formed intergovernmental, consolidated PSAP. Three more PSAPs are also expected to transition to South Sound 911.
Kris McNamar, Public Information