Sheriff Eddie Hawkins is thanking 911 dispatchers during National Telecommunications Appreciation Week, praising them as the often unseen first responders who answer emergency calls before anyone reaches the scene.
Hawkins wrote in a Facebook post that dispatchers play a vital role in keeping Lowndes County deputies and the entire community safe. He said they work long hours and respond to thousands of 911 calls every day, providing critical information and coordination that can affect the outcome of emergencies.
National Telecommunications Appreciation Week recognizes public safety telecommunicators and their role in emergency response, including call-taking, dispatching law enforcement and other first responders, and providing lifesaving instructions to callers. Dispatchers also handle high stress and fast-paced situations while maintaining communication across agencies.
“They honorably serve and save lives every day, expecting nothing in return,” Hawkins wrote. He closed his message by thanking dispatchers for their courage and commitment to creating a safer Lowndes County. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
