April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week (NPSTW). These are the Dispatchers who answer and respond to 911 calls. Dispatchers answer any 911 calls that come through. They answer and remain calm even while someone is experiencing what could be the worst day of their lives. They’re behind the scenes while the officers are on the scene, but without dispatchers, there wouldn’t be anyone to guide officers and help others. Dispatchers don’t get a lot of attention as the people who answer the calls, but never seen, while first responders respond to the scene. Dispatchers are often said to be the ‘first’ first responders since they answer calls and help people over the phone with instructions or by dispatching responders to them. Dispatchers help guide people through situations where they believe they need emergency help, and they play the biggest role in ensuring people get the help they need.