Prairie State Wire

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are recognizing the contributions of telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Governor JB Pritzker has officially designated April 13-19, 2025, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Illinois.

“Telecommunicators play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our communities by swiftly answering calls, coordinating emergency services, and providing life-saving information. Their dedication, skill, and professionalism often go unnoticed, but they are an essential part of the emergency response system," said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. "I extend my deepest gratitude to our telecommunicators across the state for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to public safety."

The ISP's Telecommunication Services Bureau (TSB) manages six communications centers throughout Illinois. About 110 telecommunicators are responsible for facilitating reliable communication for state law enforcement and, when necessary, federal, county, and municipal agencies. In the previous year, ISP telecommunicators responded to over 567,000 calls for service.

"Telecommunicators are often the lifeline between someone needing help, and help arriving on scene,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "Telecommunicators are also the calming voice on the line for officers during an emergency situation, helping to keep them safe. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, help us thank all those who have dedicated their lives to serving the public and answering the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

This annual week in April celebrates these vital individuals who are frequently the first calming voice in emergencies. Established in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in California, it serves as a time to acknowledge and thank those serving the public.