National Telecommunicators Week Taking Place April 11 - 17
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials • April 12, 2021
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
kicked off Sunday, April 11, celebrating the work and dedication the "behind the scenes" first responders do to connect the community to fire, police, and EMS in emergencies. On April 5, Governor Greg Abbott announced a proclamation, declaring the week of April 11 to be Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
Official Proclamation
"At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about the vital role these professional play in our everyday lives, and to extend their appreciation to public safety telecommunications. Their strength and expertise in times of crisis ensures Texans receive the help they need when they need it most," he said.
ETCOG's Public Safety division serves as the 9-1-1 district
for 10 East Texas counties; Anderson, Camp, Gregg, Marion, Rains, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood.
In 2020, 184,493 calls were made to 9-1-1 in the 10 counties ETCOG administers services.
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
ETCOG announces that $3.1 million in grants from the Office of the Governor's (OOG) Public Safety Office have been awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations. These funds are aimed at enhancing public safety and supporting victims of crime. The program’s mission is to strengthen Texas communities by supporting initiatives that help victims recover and feel secure while also preventing crime through programs that: Prevent juvenile delinquency and support truancy prevention Provide services to victims of crime and address violence against women Support law enforcement and improve the criminal justice system Prevent child sex trafficking, bring justice to its perpetrators, and restore victims ETCOG's Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually, and applications submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local subject-matter experts from across the region. The following Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, and Juvenile Assistance grants totaling $3,136,019.36 have been approved by the OOG for funding in East Texas: Victims of Crime Act Funds - $2,528,962.18 The Crime Victims Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) devotes resources to providing direct services to victims of crime to help them recover and navigate the justice system.
