9-1-1 dispatchers in Lethbridge celebrated for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is celebrating its 9-1-1 dispatchers.

There are dispatchers working 24-7, every day of the year.

Local dispatchers serve not just Lethbridge, but 22 nearby communities as well.

The job dispatchers do is essential to making sure emergency services have all the tools needed to save lives.

While dispatchers act mostly behind the scenes, fire and emergency services know just how crucial their role is.

“It’s a vital link for both 9-1-1 and the non-emergency complaint lines as well,” said Joel McDonald, PSCC operations deputy chief.

“Any time the citizens need help for police, fire and EMS, we’re here to support them.”

Each year, the Lethbridge Public Safety Communications Centre answers more than 138,000 calls.