How often do you think about our local dispatchers? Probably only when you need one. You have an emergency and immediately pick up the phone to get help. Who’s at the other end? The dispatcher. They are a dedicated group of individuals whose main goal is to get you the help you need as soon as you need it. Many times, they have to go the extra mile to find the exact location or number for the caller which is sometimes difficult.
This past April 1, Art Groux, Chief of the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association presented dispatcher Nick Fasano with an award for just that. A caller in need of assistance was unable to give his location. Nick jumped into action, leaving no stone unturned, including assistance from others in the police department, to find the location.
The week of April 9 through April 15 was National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. It was sponsored by the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) International. This event is held annually to recognize the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls and render lifesaving assistance. They answer your calls and provide you with emergency service every hour of every day throughout the year.
If you didn’t get an opportunity during their recognition week to thank them for their dedication, it’s not too late. Our police dispatchers are Nick Fasano, Mille Webster, Lorraine Morelli, Elizabeth Hayes, and new recruit Lauren Mayhew.