The unsung heroes of our emergency response system, Michigan's 911 telecommunicators, are being spotlighted this week. April 13-19 marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time set aside to acknowledge the essential services rendered by these professionals. In an official statement issued by the Michigan State Police Newsroom, State 911 Administrator Amy Thomas praised the dedication and resilience of telecommunicators. "Let’s take a moment to honor the incredible individuals behind every 911 call, the telecommunicators," Thomas said. She emphasized their role as "compassionate, resilient and dedicated professionals who serve our communities with unwavering commitment."
It's not just about answering calls; Michigan telecommunicators operate at the frontline of a myriad of critical tasks, according to a statement from the Michigan State Police. Beyond dispatching police, fire, and EMS personnel, they provide pre-arrival instructions, trigger weather alerts, and coordinate responses for a variety of emergency scene needs, including activation of specialized teams like SWAT or hazmat units. They navigate an intricate network of communication channels extending from landlines to smart devices, underpinning the security framework that Michigan residents rely upon.
Jeff Troyer, Chair of the SNC, is also calling on the public to express their gratitude toward these first responders during this commemorative week. "Please join me in thanking and commending the public safety telecommunicators throughout the state of Michigan who consistently safeguard lives with compassion," Troyer remarked in a release found on the Michigan State Police Newsroom website. These statements highlight the deep appreciation for the professionalism of telecommunicators and encourage community recognition of their efforts.
Michigan has 130 primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and over 2,200 telecommunicators across the state. In 2023, they handled more than six million 911 calls, according to the SNC's 2024 Annual Report. Michigan is also leading in emergency communication technology, with 82 counties using IP-based services for Next-Generation 911 and text-to-911 available statewide, showing their dedication to improving public safety communications, as stated by the Michigan State Police.
Every certified 911 telecommunicator in Michigan receives extensive training to provide the best service. They must complete at least 80 hours of dispatch training within their first two years, and continue their education throughout their career. These high standards make sure that when people call 911, they are speaking to someone trained to handle the situation calmly and expertly, staying up-to-date with new technology and methods, as per the Michigan State Police.
