When an emergency strikes, the public turns to the 9-1-1 system as the lifeline to ensure police, fire and medical personnel are able to respond quickly. Often 9-1-1 operators go unnoticed and Cal Fire is taking the opportunity during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to highlight the critical role that our department’s dispatchers play during an emergency. In recognition of all their hard work, Cal Fire is sharing individual profiles of Communication Operators across the state on social media.

“Our Emergency Command personal are the frontline of any emergency and bring the calm to an otherwise chaotic and stressful situation,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire. “They are the ones working weekends, holidays, and spending time away from loved ones just like our firefighters. Their dedication to public service is what makes this week truly worth celebrating.”

Cal Fire operates 21 Emergency Command Centers (ECC) throughout California that answer over 470,000 calls for help and dispatch over a thousand different pieces of emergency equipment including fire engines, helicopters, airtankers and rescue vehicles. Approximately 100 local fire departments contract with Cal Fire to provide dispatching services.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was started by Congress back in 1991 to help highlight the thousands of individuals who respond to emergency calls. These men and woman are available 24/7 to aid and dispatch emergency professionals and resources during a crisis.