| Barry Furey |
National Telecommunicator's Week
| Barry Furey is the Executive Director of the Knox County (TN) Emergency Communications District. The current President of the Tennessee Chapter of APCO and a member of APCO's Fire-Rescue Services and Operating Procedures/Training Committees, he has been involved in public safety for 25 years and managed PSAPs in three states. |
This article can be found on
page 59 of the Mar/Apr 1998
issue of 9-1-1 Magazine.
An often asked question is, "How can I recognize and reward my telecommunicators?"
National Telecommunicator's Week takes place the second week of April (April 12 - 18, this year). This is an ideal time to do something meaningful for your staff. If you're an administrator, take the initiative. If you're a calltaker or dispatcher, perhaps tastefully posting this article in a conspicuous place might help. If the event has passed, perhaps a belated acknowledgment, or plan ahead for next year's recognition ceremony.
Kindness is not always costly. There are many activities that show appreciation, yet are easy on the budget. The first is obtaining an official declaration from your local governing body. Have your mayor, county executive, or city manager officially recognize Telecommunicator's Week. This announcement provides an excellent opportunity for a press conference highlighting the accomplishments of your personnel.
Highlighting the singular accomplishments of an employee can also be an effective means of recognition through the establishment of a telecommunicator of the year award. Seek out the support of civic organizations or a business sponsor. If this isn't feasible, and your budget is low, use desktop publishing to create a professional looking certificate. Again, it's the thought that counts.
Give consideration to small rewards for everyone. We've been successful in finding enamel pins for less than $3 each. I've even heard of a supervisor who slipped a bag of microwave popcorn into each dispatcher's mail slot as a perk. Use your imagination.
Telecommunicators' Week is also an excellent opportunity to promote the proper use of 9-1-1 and emergency reporting techniques to the public. Send a telecommunicator to speak at a local school or fraternal group. This simple act provides both life saving information and an opportunity for well deserved recognition.
Think of other niceties that don't break the bank. Have management staff cook a meal for the dispatchers. Bulk food which requires minimum preparation is available at a reasonable price at many discount outlets. If your center requires uniforms, why not relax for a day and allow the use of casual attire? It can provide a welcome and appreciated change. Schedule some training for that week, but make it fun. Target stress relief and personal improvement.
Finally, don't forget to include the media. We are fortunate that most of our activities are covered by all of our local television affiliates. This is not realistic in a larger market. But even larger markets have human interest oriented "soft news" shows that target community or individual activities. These provide a perfect venue for your message. Regardless of the size of your community, there is more than likely a local newspaper and radio station that will carry the story. Call in type talk shows afford an opportunity for a question and answer session involving telecommunicators and the public.
In short, the reward and recognition of telecommunicators is limited more by desire than by dollars. Sometime during the second week of April, show your appreciation for a dispatcher or call taker. And remember that this appreciation is also appreciated the additional fifty one weeks of the year.
