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.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
