As cities across the nation pay homage to the unsung heroes who serve as their lifelines, the Buckeye Police Department has begun its celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which spans from Sunday to Saturday. According to the Buckeye police, the local dispatchers are at the heart of public safety, managing an impressive volume of over 4,000 calls each month with a level of professionalism that goes largely unseen by the public. These individuals are being recognized for their dedication and skill, which play a pivotal role in maintaining the well-being of the community they serve.
In a statement, Chief Robert Sanders praised the dispatchers, saying, "As the first-first responders, dispatchers are invaluable when it comes to keeping our community safe." He went on to accurately illustrate the crucial part they play in emergencies, often calming individuals in dire situations and guiding them toward survival, all while feeding critical information to officers en route. This week is meant not just to celebrate, but to fully acknowledge the unwavering commitment that these men and women bring to the City of Buckeye.
Adding to the celebration are the distinctions earned by the Buckeye Police Public Safety Communications Center. Apart from the praise they’ve garnered, they were reaccredited last November by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a testament to their consistently high standards. A review of their performance highlighted how dispatchers are not just meeting but exceeding national standards by answering most 911 calls within 15 seconds, which is notably faster than the 20-second response time advised by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).
This efficiency was not overlooked, as the dispatchers were awarded for Meritorious Unit Performance in a ceremony last month by Buckeye police—another feather in their collective cap, as per the Buckeye police's statement.
