April is my all-time favorite month of the year. In large part because every second week of April, we celebrate the essential work done by Dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This year the celebration is from Sunday, April 9th, through Saturday, April 15th.
9-1-1 is a relatively new technology, with the first famous 9-1-1 call being made in 1968 (to put that in perspective, the first electronic general-purpose digital computer which filled an entire room took place in 1945).
Since 1968, 9-1-1 technology and service has grown to be a backbone of how we all ask-for-and-receive emergency help. As a child, I grew up knowing that if I ever needed help, all I had to do was call 9-1-1. This fact gave me great comfort, to say, this fact gives children (and adults) across the country great comfort. That is how powerful 9-1-1 is!
Now, as an adult and former dispatcher with over 20 years of experience in public service, I know that there is quite more involved in getting help than dialing three digits and that there is work and growth to do. But it remains very clear that, that connection that first request for help is of utmost importance for everyone with access to this life-saving service.
I will forever be proud of the years I served and of the countless sacrifices I made in order to “answer the call.” It was a privilege and an honor and one that I never took or will take for granted.
I will forever remain committed to serving those who serve and continue to answer every-single-call-every-single-day—
Salute to the month of April!
Salute to 9-1-1!
And salute to every 9-1-1 professional for the awe-inspiring and beautiful work they do!
Warmly,
Luz Martinez
Founder, Dispatch Wellness
