Thank a dispatcher during Telecommunications Week

Metro Wire Staff

They’re the actual first responders of your emergency, but you’ll probably never see them.

The Portage County Communication Center—often referred to simply as “dispatch”—is the hub of logistics for area law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services.

In 2017, more than 128,000 calls were taken by a team of fewer than 20 dispatchers, according to Denise Nash, communications manager. And that number is down from the calls for service in 2016, she said.

“We’re two short right now,” Nash said of her staffing on Tuesday, “and we’re anticipating three retirements this year.”

Dispatchers work long hours in staggered, 10-hour shifts on a seven-on, seven-off rotation typically in groups of two to six personnel, depending on the time of day.

Nash has been with the department for 27 years and oversees a staff of 18.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is always held during the second week of April, when telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored.