In every emergency, there’s one voice that is heard before sirens ever wail or lights begin to flash. It’s not always the first one we see—but it is always the first to respond.
That voice belongs to the 911 telecommunicator.
These highly trained professionals are the calm within the storm, collecting critical information, giving lifesaving instructions, and coordinating rapid emergency responses. Long before police, fire, or medical services arrive on scene, 911 telecommunicators are already at work—gathering details, calming callers, and guiding help to where it’s needed most. That’s why they are known as the first first responders.
Thanking Those Who Answer the Call
Telecommunicators are often the unsung heroes of emergency response. They may not be physically on the scene, but their impact is undeniable. They manage high-pressure calls with empathy, professionalism, and quick decision-making, often saving lives through their actions alone.
Their voices bring reassurance during the scariest moments of a person’s life. They are first to answer, first to act, and often, first to save.
This National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week—and every week—we say thank you.
Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for always being there in an emergency.
Supporting the Change They Deserve
Despite the critical nature of their work, 911 telecommunicators are still classified by the federal government as “Office and Administrative Support” roles—a category that does not accurately reflect their lifesaving responsibilities.
That’s why we proudly support the 911 Saves Act, a bipartisan effort to reclassify 911 telecommunicators as “Protective Service Occupations.” This change would be more than symbolic; it would validate their essential role in public safety and open the door for more training, funding, and support.
Empowering the Voices That Save Lives
At Intrado, our mission is to support the full spectrum of emergency communications—from the first ring to the final response. We stand with telecommunicators who are the very heartbeat of that system. We see their dedication, we hear their impact and we are committed to building technology that empowers them to do their jobs safely, effectively, and with the recognition they deserve.
To all 911 professionals: you are not just a voice on the other end of the line. You are the first first responder and we are grateful every single day.
Join us in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week by attending our special 3-day webinar series on April 15, 16, and 17! You’ll hear from industry leaders and learn how we're shaping the future of emergency communications together.
Register here.
Intrado – Always there in an emergency.