The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 12-18, 2026, to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Franklin County. In doing so, they are highlighting the role these individuals play as a critical link between citizens and emergency services.
When emergencies occur, public safety telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact callers have with emergency responders. These dispatchers must correctly gather and relay accurate information directly to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) to ensure their prompt response to the scene of an emergency. Telecommunicators also serve as a vital resource for those responding agencies by monitoring their radio activity and by providing them with critical information.
Locally, the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services (DES) handles all aspects of call processing for fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies – with the exception of the Pennsylvania State Police Chambersburg Barracks – to 22 municipalities in the county. In 2025, DES received 137,555 calls and processed and dispatched 84,088 911 calls.
“Telecommunications is a round-the-clock responsibility, every day of the year, and it requires a uniquely dedicated person to take on this work,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Being a 911 telecommunicator means making rapid, critical decisions while staying calm and compassionate, even as callers may be facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. A simple ‘thank you’ hardly captures the depth of our appreciation for our telecommunicators—their commitment, professionalism and the vital role they play in keeping our community safe during emergencies.”
By recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Franklin County, the commissioners are encouraging everyone to recognize and thank the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep Franklin County and its residents safe.
