Prairie State Wire

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are collaborating to honor telecommunicators in Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker has designated April 14-20, 2024, as Telecommunications Week in recognition of their essential role in ensuring public safety.

"Our telecommunicators are the first to answer the call and serve as a vital part of our response during any emergency. The information that they provide to responders is critical and helps us understand the situation we are responding to and allows us to better prepare to help once we arrive," stated Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. "Thank you for all that you do to help someone on their worst day feel comforted and reassured that help is on the way."

The ISP's Telecommunication Services Bureau (TSB) includes about 100 public safety telecommunicators who handle routine and emergency communications for state law enforcement agencies, along with federal, county, and municipal partners when needed. In 2023, these telecommunicators managed over 530,000 service calls across six communication centers throughout Illinois.

"Telecommunicators are critical to saving lives when seconds matter," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "This April, we honor those calming voices who answer the call, and recognize the vital role they play in ensuring efficient and effective emergency response in times of crisis."

The second week of April each year is dedicated to recognizing telecommunicators as first responders who address emergency calls. This tradition began in 1981 by Patricia Anderson from the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in California as a time to appreciate those committed to serving the public.