This week, the Emergency Telephone Service Committee is saluting the 2,000 emergency telecommunicators who staff Michigan's 182 public safety answering points (PSAP).  Last year, these employees helped in saving lives, apprehending criminals and protecting property by answering over 6.5 million 9-1-1 calls.

"Whether through 9-1-1 calls on wireless phones, traditional telephones, or Voice Over the Internet (VoIP) phones, the 9-1-1 telecommunicator serves as the first line of responses to emergency services. Telecommunicators are the emergency responders' support system and the voice of help for people when they hurt, in danger, or in crisis" stated Harriet Miller-Brown, State 9-1-1 Administrator.  "Their dedication and hard work touches the lives of countless people across our state."

The United States Congress has designated April 13 - 19, 2008, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in recognition of the men and women whose dedication and professionalism help keep us safe.

In Michigan, the state's 9-1-1 centers serve as the consistent point for dispatching police, fire, and EMS response.  In addition to answering emergency calls, emergency telecommunicators also provide medical pre-arrival instruction; activate emergency operations coordinators, towing services, hospitals, road commissions and public works departments; initiate severe weather alerts, handle call-outs for specialized response teams such as search and rescue, activate medical examiners and hazmat response teams.

"This week we are stopping to say 'thank you' to the hard-working men and women who staff these centers and provide a vital service each and every day," Miller-Brown added.

The Emergency Telephone Service Committee was established in accordance with Public Act 79 of 1999.  Its 21 member organizations work together to promote the successful development, implementation and operation of 9-1-1 systems across the State of Michigan.