This is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time set aside to thank and honor 911 dispatchers, who are the critical link between the public and first responders. These individuals play a critical role in responding to emergencies and ensuring the safety of communities.
On Wednesday morning Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird went to the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center to issue a proclamation to center director Jessica Loos. “Dispatchers are Super Heroes. They many not wear capes or masks, but they are truly saving lives and we’re so grateful for the work that they do,” Gaylor Baird says.
It was last June when the facility, located inside LPD’s Northeast Team Station at 52nd and ‘R’ Street,” opened with increased technology and more room to work. Loos says the new facility allows them to better serve residents when they call 911.
“Thank you for continuing to trust in us, for picking up the phone and calling 911,” Loos says. “We’re grateful to be here to answer your call.” Loos says there are different themed days during the week that allow them to celebrate each other.
“We had taco Tuesday, which was great. We were able to enjoy meals together on each and every shift,” Loos says. LFR brought in coffee and bagels to dispatchers on Wednesday morning and LPD’s command staff will bring a meal in on Thursday to show their appreciation.
Emma Gettemy is one of the voices people will hear when they call 911. She says being a dispatcher brings something new everyday. “You can come in and sit down and have a moment to collect your thoughts and log in, but this morning we did not. You just kind of take over for the person you’re replacing and just start answering the phone.”
The original 911 call center at the Hall of Justice will be used as a backup to the new center.
