2024 National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Honors FWB Police 911 Dispatchers

The Fort Walton Beach community recognized the vital role of public safety telecommunications personnel during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week (NPSTW) April 14-20.

Local citizens were invited by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department to participate in their “Adopt a Dispatcher” program during NPSTW as a means of recognizing and thanking those who dedicate their lives serving the public.

There are currently 11 FWBPD dispatchers on staff working shifts around the clock taking calls day and night every day of the year from callers seeking help during traumatic and troubling situations.

Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage said, “Police Telecommunication Operators serve as a critical lifeline between the community and the police officers. They allow for swift response to emergencies, seamless coordination of resources, and provide essential communications in crucial moments. Without their efforts, our first responders could not serve our community effectively. However, their actions and critical roles sometimes go unnoticed, and Telecommunications Week allows us to highlight their vital role and thank them for all they do every day and night to make our community safer and better.”

The Fort Walton Beach community pitched in and quickly adopted all 11 of FWBPD’s dispatchers. Over 45 individuals and groups contributed to honoring the dispatchers, some as individuals and others as groups. Buffalo’s Reef and Chick-fil-A of Fort Walton Beach, for example, treated the entire dispatch staff with lunches.

The 100.3 KROCK B Team and Emerald Coast Connected also kicked in to adopt and thank a dispatcher. They shared their appreciation by dropping by the police station every day of the week-long event and sharing a smile and a special gift carefully selected for their adoptee.

The FWBPD’s 2024 Adopt a Dispatcher Week was a success. “We are incredibly touched by the tremendous response we had from the citizens of the City of Fort Walton Beach during this year’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week,” stated dispatcher Kira Huyghue and FWBPD’s Dispatcher Program Coordinator. “Every one of our dispatchers were happy to receive the presents and heartfelt words of gratitude. In my opinion, it was an excellent opportunity to honor the dispatchers for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.”

You can read about this special week in more detail at Emerald Coast Connected.