National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week 2023
Sunday, April 10, 2022 - Saturday, April 16, 2022
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (NPSTW) is a time to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of telecommunications personnel who work tirelessly to provide critical, life-saving emergency services to the public. Held annually during the second week of April, NPSTW was first started in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in California, and in 1994, it was officially recognized by President William J. Clinton through Presidential Proclamation 6667.
Telecommunications personnel, also known as telecommunicators, work in 911 centers, which include emergency communications centers (ECC), public safety answering points (PSAP), public safety communications centers (PSCC), emergency operations centers (EOC), and other public safety command centers. These centers are critical components of emergency communications and play a vital role in providing emergency services to the public.
To support the 911 community, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) works collaboratively with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial (FSLTT) governments, private sector, and volunteer response organizations to support emergency communications operability, interoperability, and resiliency across the nation. CISA provides strategic planning, research and development, technical assistance, and resources and tools to help 911 centers prepare for Next Generation 911 (NG911), strengthen their cybersecurity practices, and support the health and wellness of telecommunicators.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CISA has also developed pandemic guidance for 911 centers, which includes best practices for pandemic planning, staffing and operating procedures, and cleaning and disinfecting for 911 centers. Additionally, CISA has developed resources and tools to help 911 stakeholders transition to NG911, implement essential GIS components, and mitigate cyber threats, such as ransomware, telephony denial-of-service, and malware attacks.
As we celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices, commitment, and service of telecommunications personnel who serve our communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We should take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication and hard work and to remind them that their work is essential in keeping our communities safe.
Comments