State Patrol to honor its law enforcement dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12 to 18
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During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12 to 18, the Wisconsin State Patrol will honor its law enforcement dispatchers, who communicate with officers on patrol and coordinate responses to traffic crashes and other emergencies.
Congress has designated National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week as a time to recognize men and women who are responsible for answering calls “for police, fire and emergency medical assistance and dispatching such assistance to help save the lives and property of our citizens.”
The State Patrol has 58 law enforcement dispatchers and supervisory staff stationed at regional communications centers in DeForest, Tomah, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, Wausau, Eau Claire and Spooner. In addition, State Patrol dispatchers also assist Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wardens and officers from federal agencies.
State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald says, “Our law enforcement dispatchers are well-trained and dedicated professionals who have a critical role in effective enforcement actions and responses to complex emergencies. They use advanced communications technology to exchange information with our officers and maintain a communications link that is vital for the safety of our officers. In life or death situations, like traffic crashes, law enforcement dispatchers have the knowledge and experience to make quick decisions under stressful conditions. They also routinely answer inquiries from the public and the news media. Although our law enforcement dispatchers work behind the scenes, their efforts have helped save lives and reduce serious injuries throughout our state.”