Oneida County Sheriff’s Office celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

Each year during the second full week in April, telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored. This year, April 12-18, is the time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.

“You won’t find a more dedicated group of people who are ready to assist their emergency services family and the citizens of Oneida County,” said Jake Simkins Captain of Emergency Services. 

“911 telecommunicators work hard behind the scenes to protect the public by answering emergency calls, providing critical pre-arrival instructions, dispatching appropriate resources and supporting various police, fire and emergency medical services. All too often, their contributions go unnoticed. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is a great opportunity to reflect on the important role of the 911 telecommunicator as the true first, first responder. This week we commend them for the tough work they do.”

Last year, telecommunicators in Oneida County answered approximately 39,000 calls. Nearly a third of those calls were emergency 9-1-1 calls.

“Our E911 telecommunicators work around the clock answering calls, reporting car accidents, fires, medical emergencies, crimes in progress and other stressful situations as well as ensuring the safety of law enforcement, fire and emergency medical personnel,” said Grady Hartman, Oneida County Sheriff. “They are the first people that citizens reach out to when they need help. This week, we honor them for their commitment, devotion and hard work.”

Telecommunicators in Oneida County provide countywide dispatch services for one full-time fire department, 16 volunteer fire departments, five ambulance services, 10 first responder groups, two air service providers, one city police department, one county law enforcement agency and two town police agencies.