Salt Lake City is currently paying tribute to those vital yet oft-overlooked figures who serve as the critical connection between the community in distress and necessary emergency services. From April 13–19, the city is taking part in the national observance of Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a period designed to spotlight the indispensable role that dispatchers play in maintaining public safety and order.
In a week dedicated to these unseen heroes, Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed her deep appreciation for their work. "Every emergency response in our city starts with a voice on the other end of the line—and that voice makes all the difference," Mendenhall said, according to Salt Lake City. These professionals are characterized as being unwaveringly calm amidst chaos, embodying a highly professional demeanor even when faced with the most severe of crises.
Salt Lake City's 911 Bureau, covering both Salt Lake City and Sandy, consists of a dedicated team including 61 dispatchers, eight supervisors, and six administrators. Notably, in 2024, they answered over 650,000 calls, an impressive feat augmented by their direct assistance in the delivery of four newborns.
"Our dispatchers are the calm in the storm for so many in our community," remarked Lisa Kehoe, SLC 911 Director, as per Salt Lake City. Last year, the bureau was recognized for their exemplary handling of the Sandhurst Fire and Kehoe herself earned the honor of being named 2024 Director of the Year by the National Emergency Number Association Utah Chapter. This week also marks the launch of a new wellness software, Mindbase, aimed to provide crucial mental health support for these first responders.
Throughout Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Salt Lake City is set to celebrate these vital workers across its social media platforms, shining a light on the faces and voices that often go unnoticed. The city's dispatchers have provided key tips for the public that can aid in emergencies, such as the importance of staying on the line even in case of accidental 911 calls, to avoid unnecessary follow-ups.
