LABELLE — April 10-16, 2022, is National Public Safety Telecommunications Appreciation Week. It is a time when we say a special “thanks to our telecommunications personnel” who serve our citizens and public safety agencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hendry County has nine full time telecommunicators who serve Hendry County. This includes dispatching for deputies, fire and EMS; fielding more than 94,000 calls annually. They are rarely seen - but mostly heard. They play a vital role in keeping our communities safe.

Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden said, “Today’s telecommunicators function much differently than they did in the past. Because of the advancements in technology, they have to think faster, and work harder; all while remaining calm when there may be shear chaos around us.”

This isn’t a job for just anyone. Many dispatchers have stayed in this profession for years making it a lifelong career; but not everyone is cut out for it.

Sheriff Whidden said, “It takes a special person to do this job; answering life threatening calls can take a toll on you. They hear the voices of a parent pleading for help to save their child or spouse; or hear the last words of a person deeply depressed. They hear the shouts from deputies calling for back-up to the voice of someone thanking them for talking them through the delivery of a new baby. They are the voice in the dark-providing calm, clear direction until help arrives. They are a lifeline for our residents in need and vital for our law enforcement, fire, EMS. One thing our telecommunication operators all have in common is - they have hearts of gold.”

This week, we thank our telecommunications personnel and recognize them for the heroes they are.

Please join us in thanking our dedicated team of telecommunicators and recognizing the service and commitment of telecommunication professionals throughout the nation.