FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Illinois State Police recently sent out a release to show appreciation for those who work for law enforcement dispatch centers in honor of Telecommunicators Week.
With such stressful and demanding jobs, public safety dispatchers are often the first contact for citizens who are experiencing an emergency. The critical information dispatchers collect from 911 callers is significant in helping Illinois State Police respond appropriately to a situation.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has declared April 9-15, 2023 as Telecommunications Week in Illinois for the recognition of the essential contributions telecommunicators provide for the safety of Illinois residents and visitors.
“Telecommunicators are the unsung heroes of Illinois—dispatching emergency services and relaying critical information to first responders that saves lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I couldn’t be prouder to honor our first, first responders this Telecommunicators week—and on behalf of the State of Illinois, thank you for your service.”
The ISP’s Telecommunication Services Bureau (TSB) has around 100 public safety telecommunicators that are responsible for providing reliable, routine, and emergency communication to state law enforcement agencies, as well as federal, county, and municipal agency partners when needed.
“Often referred to as the first, first responders, our telecommunicators are a vital link within our operation, helping us serve the public,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Every year in April we honor those calming voices and recognize the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response in times of crisis.”
Telecommunicators answer calls and replay information in support of frontline responders. In 2022, ISP telecommunicators operated more than 500,000 calls. There are 6 communications centers across the state that work to serve the citizens of Illinois.
- Sterling Communications Center | Serves Troops 1 and 2
- Chicago Communications Center | Serves Troop 3
- Pontiac Communications Center | Serves Troops 4, 5, and 7
- Springfield Communications Center | Serves Troop 6 and Springfield Command Center
- Collinsville Communications Center | Serves Troop 8
- Du Quoin Communications Center | Serves Troops 9 and 10
