National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Jackson, TN. (WNBJ)-

Jennifer Brandon (Madison County Sheriff’s Sergeant Communications Division) stated, “we are the voices that nobody sees, so on your… on your worst day of your life so you think. We are the voice that you are going to hear.”

*911 what’s your emergency*

Is the question you are met with when you call a public safety command center. In a life threating situation more than likely this is your first point of contact for help. This week is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel across the nation who serve our communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held annually during the second week of April to honor telecommunications personnel for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. In 1981 Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office fought for the recognition of gold line workers. In 1994, President William J. Clinton made it an official national week. Jennifer Brandon (Madison County Sheriff’s Sergeant Communications Division) informed us, “we feel honored. We are the gold line.”

Sergeant of the Communications Division Jennifer Brandon says the police department is the blue line, the fire department is the red line, and telecommunicators are the gold line because… Jennifer Brandon (Madison County Sheriff’s Sergeant Communications Division) explained, “we are the glue that holds them together.”

Police dispatchers never know what awaits them on the other side of the phone line. While all calls might not be life or death, some calls can leave a lasting impact. Jennifer Brandon (Madison County Sheriff’s Sergeant Communications Division) says, “you’re trained when you leave here you do not talk about the details of your day. You talk about it amongst your blue family if you will. You don’t take it home.”

Makayla Davis

mdavis@nbc39tv.com