Grundy Reporter

In an April 10 Facebook post, Rep. Jackie Haas thanked 911 dispatchers for their work.

"Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 9-15, 2023!" Haas wrote.

According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. 

Jackie Haas represents the people of the 79th District in Kankakee, Will, and Grundy Counties. She achieved her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Valparaiso University. 

Haas then received her Master’s degree with a specialization in mental health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams School of Social Work. She served as a social worker for 30 years. Today, she is the CEO of the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health.

"This week we honor the men and women behind the scenes, on the other end of the phone, who help keep us all safe," Haas wrote. "Thank you to all of our 911 dispatchers for the difficult work you all do each and every day!"

The NPSTW was started in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of California's Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. In 1994, President William J. Clinton signed Presidential Proclamation 6667, which declared the second week of April as NPSTW.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly shared his appreciation in a press release on April 7. 

“Often referred to as the first, first responders, our telecommunicators are a vital link within our operation, helping us serve the public," Kelly said. "Every year in April we honor those calming voices and recognize the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response in times of crisis.”

The press release also referenced Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who recognized public safety telecommunicators for aiding residents when they need it most.

"Telecommunicators are the unsung heroes of Illinois—dispatching emergency services and relaying critical information to first responders that saves lives," Pritzker said. "I couldn’t be prouder to honor our first, first responders this Telecommunicators week—and on behalf of the State of Illinois, thank you for your service.”