Across the country, this week is about recognizing the heroes behind the headset, our dispatchers! It's National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored. Telecommunicators, also known as dispatchers, are the backbone of public safety. They are always heard but rarely seen; today and every day, we recognize and appreciate these invisible first responders. They are the voice of reason, reassurance, and authority that Anchorage residents hear when they call for help.

"I want to personally thank APD's public safety communication professionals, whose exemplary service provides for the safety of our citizens and officers every day. These men and women exhibit the utmost compassion, understanding, and professionalism during our citizens' greatest time of need. They are a lifeline and a steady source of information and support to our first responders," said Chief Michael Kerle.

Our dispatch team, on average, answers 450 emergency calls daily. To say we appreciate their hard work and dedication would be an understatement. Join us in thanking our wonderful dispatchers for all they do for our community and for working tirelessly every day to keep us safe.