This week the Erie County Department of Central Police Services along with their counterparts throughout the nation will be participating in National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an annual event held each April to honor and recognize 911 call takers for their dedication and service to the public during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life.  These dedicated professionals play a key role in ensuring public safety across Erie County by answering emergency calls and dispatching police, fire and EMS services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“911 call takers are a critical component of the first-response system, handling crises from the moment they pick up the phone and sending needed help on the way immediately,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “These men and women are on the front lines of protecting our community, doing their jobs selflessly and without fanfare every day, and I thank them for their service to Erie County.”  

During 2022, the Erie County, the 911 Communication Center answered more than 773,326 calls and responded to over 6,200 texts for emergency services.  During the Christmas Blizzard, the Erie County Team demonstrated extreme dedication by handling nearly 29,000 emergency calls/texts over a four-day period.  During this time, the call-takers worked very long hours handling non-stop emergency calls.

Commissioner of Central Police Services James Jancewicz added, “This year the Erie County 911 Center worked daily ensuring efficient law enforcement, fire, and medical response throughout the county.  In particular, during the Christmas Storm this group demonstrated great resiliency under difficult circumstances to handle a record number of emergency calls.  Their service to our community is invaluable to keeping us safe.”

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is celebrated from April 9-15, 2023.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Central Police Services, visit http://www2.erie.gov/cps/     

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