SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP POLICE - Communications
Communications
National Telecommunicator’s Week
All this week, Sylvania Township is honoring our 911 Dispatchers along with thousands of other 911 Dispatchers across the county for their hard work during the National Telecommunicator’s Week.
Our 911 Dispatchers are the “heroes behind the scenes” when emergencies occur. Sylvania Township 911 Dispatchers provide a critical service to the citizens of Sylvania Township and fire/EMS services to Sylvania City and to all emergency personnel while performing their duties with integrity, quality, accountability and respect.
911 Emergency Dispatchers are the first people “on the scene” of every crime, fire and medical emergency. They are there, though unseen, during the most trying emergencies.
Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. Congress introduced the first formal proclamation, recognizing the role of the public safety telecommunicator in October, 1991. In recognition of all the of the men and women whose dedication and professionalism help keep all citizens and emergency personnel safe, this week has been designated by the Congress as PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK.
911 Dispatchers assist in the saving of many lives, the apprehension of criminals and
prevention of considerable property loss each year. The members of public safety dispatch centers exhibit compassion, understanding and professionalism during their performance as 911 Dispatchers.
The safety of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service providers that serve our citizens are dependent on the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who contact public safety dispatch centers.
911 Dispatchers provide 24-hour communication between citizens and public safety
responders. The number 911 is universally recognized as being the one to report emergencies where police, fire or medical assistance is needed. The call can be made from any telephone, including cell phones with or without basic service, and from any pay phone.
Please, if you come in contact with a 911 Dispatcher take a moment and thank them. Emergency responses would not be possible without them. They help save thousands of lives each year.
WHO AM I?
(By an unknown, but knowing, author)
I am the voice that calms the mother breathing life into her infant son.
I am the invisible hand that holds and comforts the elderly man who woke up and found his wife of 50 years had passed away during the night.
I am a friend who talks the disgruntled teenager out of ending her own life.
I sent help when you had your first automobile accident.
I am the one who tries to obtain the information from callers to ensure that the scene is safe for those I dispatch to emergencies-all the while anticipating the worst and hoping for the best.
I am the psychologist who readily adapts by language and tone of voice to serve the needs of my callers with compassion and understanding.
I am the ears that listen to the needs of all those I serve.
I have heard the screams of faceless people I will never meet nor forget.
I have cried at the atrocities of mankind and rejoiced at the miracles of life.
I was there, though unseen by my comrades in the field, during the most trying emergencies.
I have tried to visualize the scene to coincide with the voices I have heard.
I am usually not privy to the outcome of a call, so I wonder......
I am the one who works weekends, strange shifts and holidays.
Children do not say they want to do my job when they grow up. Yet, I am at this vocation by choice.
Those I help do not call back to say thank you. Still, there is comfort in the challenge, integrity and the purpose of my employment.
I am thankful to provide such a meaningful service. I am a mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter.
I am here when you need me and still here when you don't.
My office is never empty, and the work here is never done.
I am always on call.
The training is strenuous, demanding and endless.
No two days at work are ever the same.
Who am I? I am an emergency dispatcher and proud.
I answered the Call.
SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP POLICE - Communications
Communications
Currently, Sylvania Township Dispatch is a 24/7 operation staffed by 11 full time Dispatchers and 1 Supervisor. It is their duty to provide the citizens of Sylvania Township with uninterrupted prompt answering to emergency and non-emergency calls for service for the Police and Fire Departments.
When the dispatch center is fully staffed, two emergency dispatchers work each eight hour shift. With enhanced 911 capabilities, Dispatch uses CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) as its primary system of operation; networked with all other Lucas County law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies. The communications center monitors and transmits on over 50 radio frequencies using a new, county-funded Motorola Centracom Elite radio system.
In 2006 the Sylvania Township Police Dispatch Center answered more than 8,600 -9-1-1 telephone calls and dispatched more than 25,000 police & fire incidents.
When calling 9-1-1 in an emergency:
Give the complete address where you need help.
Tell the 9-1-1 operator what the problem is -- why you need help.
Give the 9-1-1 operator your name.
Remain calm and talk clearly.
Give the 9-1-1 operator as much information as possible.
Please do not call 9-1-1- and:
Say, "This is not an emergency, but..."
Ask for the Police Department's non-emergency number. It is (419) 882-2055.
Ask for another police department's non-emergency number. Call 411. If that police department is in another area code, dial that area code, then 555-1212.
Hang up before speaking to the police/fire operator. If you do, they may call you back and a squad car could be sent to your home.
Report that the power is out at your home, unless it is an emergency. Call your utility service provider.
Ask for a weather report. Get a battery-powered radio and stay tuned to a local radio station.