Dispatchers recognized during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Carroll County commissioners recognized the work of local emergency dispatchers during their April 13 meeting by proclaiming April 12-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner read the proclamation honoring the county’s 911 dispatchers, noting their role as the first point of contact during emergencies and a critical link between the public and first responders.

“Public safety telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services,” the proclamation states.

911 Coordinator and Dispatch Supervisor Sgt. Samantha LeMonte and 911 dispatcher James Wolford attended the meeting.

The proclamation said dispatchers play a vital role in coordinating police, fire and emergency medical responses, often handling high-stress situations while gathering critical information to ensure the safety of both responders and the public.

LeMonte said dispatchers often perform duties the public may not fully recognize.

“I just think they do a really good job, and they do a lot of stuff that people don’t realize they do,” LeMonte said.

She added that the emotional toll of the job is often overlooked.

“I think people forget, too, that they have a job to do, but they do care, and they feel the stress, worry and anxiety right along with people because they care about the people that are calling them and what happens to them,” LeMonte said. “It definitely is going to be heavy at times, but it is completely worth it.”

Commissioner Chris Modranski, who previously worked as a 911 dispatcher, spoke about the demands of the job.

“They deal with people oftentimes at the worst time of their life,” Modranski said. “It can be hectic and overwhelming, but it’s also a very important role.”

Officials added that dispatchers often do not know the outcome of the calls they handle, making the job both stressful and emotionally demanding.

“They’re paid to keep their cool when everybody else has lost it,” Modranski said.

The board unanimously approved the proclamation and thanked local dispatchers for their service and professionalism.

In other business, commissioners:

—PAID bills totaling $109,596.43.

—RECEIVED the weekly report from Dog Warden Merle Long, which showed three dogs impounded, with no adoptions, redemptions, euthanizations or citations.

—APPROVED a special hauling permit for Stone Lick Timber on Avon Road in Center Township, with a $50,000 bond provided.

—HEARD Clerk April Mayle announce that oral rabies vaccine baits will be distributed by airplane beginning April 18 and advised residents not to touch them.

—APPROVED the purchase and installation of air conditioning units for the annex building at a cost of $49,500 to complete work for the OSU Extension office and Emergency Management Agency space. The cost includes the purchase and installation of approximately nine air conditioning units.

—ENTERED executive session to discuss property matters, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, with no action taken.