The Erie County Department of Central Police Services is joining counterparts nationwide this week to participate in National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an annual event held in the second week of April to honor and recognize 911 call takers, the “first” first responders, for their dedication and service to the public during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life.  These dedicated professionals play a key role in ensuring public safety across Erie County by answering emergency calls and dispatching police, fire and EMS services 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

“911 call takers are indispensable to the protection and safety of the public, working calmly and professionally to get life-saving assistance where it needs to go as quickly as possible at all times of day and night. Our community owes them a huge debt of gratitude for their work every day,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “During National County Government month in April, we are highlighting county services and programs that benefit residents. The Erie County 911 Communication Center and our call takers are an excellent example of how county government serves the public. We are honored to recognize their work, especially this week, and I thank them for their service during this past, difficult year.”

In 2021, the Erie County 911 Communication Center answered 787,092 calls and responded to 3,337 texts for emergency services.  As the number of mobile telephones increases throughout the county the number of emergency calls continues to rise with an additional 26,076 calls for service from the prior year.  The complexities of addressing emergency calls also continues to rise with the changes in technology and types of calls for service.  As a result, dispatchers and call takers from throughout the county participated in training to better serve the community and implemented innovative programs to respond to mental health calls and the needs of persons with disabilities. 

Commissioner of Central Police Services James Jancewicz added, “The Covid pandemic highlighted the dedication of call takers and dispatchers who work on a daily basis to ensure public safety responses for our entire community.  The work of these professionals is critical to providing a timely and appropriate response to an array of law enforcement, fire or medical emergencies.  I thank the call takers and dispatchers in Erie County for their important service.”

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is celebrated from April 10 – 16, 2022.

April is “National County Government Month” and Erie County is one of over 3,000 counties nationwide joining the National Association of Counties (“NACo”) all month long to spotlight and celebrate the critical role county governments play in the lives of residents. The 2022 theme, “Counties Thrive”, provides an opportunity to educate residents on county programs, responsibilities, and services, especially as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During National County Government Month NACo is focusing on six areas of where county leadership can best serve residents in 2022, including technology and equipping counties to expand broadband; improving overall health and well-being; workforce readiness and preparation; strengthening infrastructure resilience; advancing equity and expanding the safety net in vulnerable communities; and creating economic opportunities.

Poloncarz added, “National County Government Month provides an opportunity to underscore the programs, services and investments county governments provide to improve our quality of life and build better, more resilient communities for the future. Here in Erie County we are moving forward with many such projects that will leave our county better-prepared for the next generation.”   

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Central Police Services, visit https://www3.erie.gov/cps/    

On NACo and National County Government Month, visit

https://www.naco.org/resources/featured/2022-ncgm

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