FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed the week of April 11 through 17 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week 2010 in the county and commended the diligence and professionalism of the county’s 9-1-1 operators in performing the necessary tasks to help to keep residents safe.

 

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the county’s public safety telecommunication staff answers the calls to the Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center. When an emergency occurs, the telecommunicators are the first and often most critical contact residents may have with emergency service personnel. The 9-1-1 operators work to provide accurate communications and prompt response by police officers, firefighters and paramedics in local municipalities.

 

“These dedicated men and women of the Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center play a critical role saving lives,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “They exhibit compassion, understanding and professionalism in the critical protection of life and preservation of property.”

 

The county’s 9-1-1 Communications Center provides 9-1-1 services to 44 municipalities and dispatches for nine police departments, 31 fire departments and 24 first aid squads.  

 

On average, the 9-1-1 Communications Center answers 400 to 500 emergency calls per day. The center also receives and manages all 9-1-1 calls made from cellular telephones in the county.

 

In 1991, Congress proclaimed the second week in April as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, recognizing the crucial role played by public safety telecommunications personnel in American communities. 

 

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Photo Caption:  On April 8, 2010, the Monmouth County freeholders presented a proclamation to members of the county Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 staff in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 11 – 17). Pictured: (L to R) Members of the county’s 9-1-1 telecommunications staff: Ralph McChesney, Supervisor 9-1-1 Communications Center; Kevin O’Brien, Senior Public Safety Telecommunicator; Melissa Donatelli, Public Safety Telecommunicator; Scott Nielsen, Training Coordinator; Neil Campbell, Acting Chief 9-1-1 Communications Center; Sheriff Shaun Golden; Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the county Sheriff’s Office.