The Wilmington Police Department is taking the time this week to honor the unsung heroes of emergency services during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. According to a statement released by the department, this observance runs from April 13 through April 19 and pays tribute to those working tirelessly behind the scenes, from call-takers to dispatchers.
It's an annual tradition that dates back to 1981, allowing us all to recognize the vital roles that telecommunications personnel play within the public safety sector. The Wilmington Police highlighted that their Communications Division ensures the city's safety 24/7, adeptly managing to quickly answer and efficiently dispatch officers to incidents across the city. Last year, they were kept on their toes, handling a staggering 101,570 calls for service—a testament to their capacity to unflinchingly take on the unexpected, day and night.
These telecommunications professionals serve as the link between the community and first responders, a crucial chain in the response to both everyday mishaps and large-scale emergencies. "As we observe National Public Safety Telecommunications Week each year, we are proud to recognize our dedicated staff, who work each and every day to serve our community," Lt. William Schmid, leading officer of the WPD Communications Division, told Nixle. Schmid emphasizes that no service call is considered too insignificant, nor any incident too vast for their team's expertise and support.
Chief Wilfredo Campos also shared his appreciation, acknowledging the Communications Division staff's unwavering commitment. Without their critical behind-the-scenes work, the first responders' effectiveness would ostensibly be diminished. These professionals deliver first-rate direction and support to both officers and citizens alike, often without the recognition deserved. They're truly the backbone of Wilmington's safety infrastructure—essential, yet frequently overlooked in their contributions to public service.
