Commissioners proclaim April 14–20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners used a special recognition on April 16 to proclaim April 14–20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and to honor the county's dispatchers.

Captain Chris Hutchins, communications director for Cleveland County 9-1-1, and other staff stood before the board as the proclamation was read. The proclamation cited 2023 activity figures, stating that Cleveland County dispatchers received a total of 132,373 calls for service in 2023 with 52,683 coming in through the 9-1-1 center; the text also referenced 9-1-1-assisted out-of-hospital births and life-saves related to cardiac arrest and overdoses.

Multiple commissioners and attendees thanked dispatch staff for their calm, skilled work in emergencies and for their contribution to public safety; the board encouraged citizens to recognize emergency dispatchers for their diligence and professionalism.