City of Coos Bay release – The week of April 14 – 20 is designated as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. It’s a time when citizens can thank the men and women in Public Safety who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals, and equipment during times of crisis. During this week, Americans can show gratitude to 9-1-1 call takers, dispatchers, technicians who maintain radio and emergency phone systems, communications staff trainers, and other public safety telecommunications staff across the country who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to help you during emergencies. The City has a small group of nine 9-1-1 dispatchers who provide dispatching and provide call services for Coos Bay Police, Coos Bay Fire, Coquille Tribal Police, Coquille Police, Coquille Fire and Ambulance as well as Southwestern Oregon Community College Security. Collectively, they handle thousands of calls annually. In 2018, they answered over 70,000 calls of which 12,108 were 9-1-1 calls. Rarely do they ever get a chance to meet those who have called for help, yet those who call, depend on the calm voice on the other end of the line, the directions they receive, and knowledge these dispatchers have to get through an emergency. No day is ever routine – one call may be a minor traffic accident, while the next is a frantic voice screaming for help. Using state-of-the-art equipment and training, they provide excellent service and security our citizens have come to expect from the Coos Bay Police Dispatch Team. Please join us in honoring these true public servants!!!