Natchitoches, La., April 11, 2016 – Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women, who serve as public safety telecommunicators. In recognition and to honor these mostly unknown and sometimes underappreciated public servants, in the early 1990s, the national Association of Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO) asked Congress, through a formal proclamation, introduced by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), to create a “National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.” That original proclamation followed the process of Congressional procedure, and in 1994 became a permanent day of recognition each consecutive year.

The first 9-1-1 call in the United States made some 46 years ago at 2:00 p.m. in Haleyville, Alabama marked the beginning of a new era in public safety. The emergency call takers and dispatchers, who serve Natchitoches Parish by operating our two 9-1-1 public safety answering points, are among the thousands of dedicated individuals, who staff the over 6000 public safety emergency communications centers across our nation. These communications professionals toil night and day, sometimes with little recognition, but work for the satisfaction gained by serving their community.

Oh behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Communications District Board of Commissioners, Chairman Micky Dove offers a sincere “thank you” and publicly recognizes the important role that you play in keeping Natchitoches parish safe.