To the Editor:

The week of April 10 through April 16 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.

This is a time where Public Safety Telecommunicators are celebrated and thanked for servicing our communities and responders, and a time that is set aside so that our communities can learn about those voices that are heard but not seen.

As the Director of the Newtown ECC [Emergency Communications Center], I am proud of the women and men who serve with me.

There are nine full-time Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) and three per-diems. We work 24 hours a day — 7 days a week — 365 days a year on fixed schedules.

We work in all kinds of weather and conditions, and answered over seven thousand 911 calls last year. We have been in our new home for just over a year, fortunate and grateful to be at 191 South Main Street.

I want to thank my staff for the work that they do for YOU and our responders, and ask if you get a minute, stop by the new facility; we can’t ask you to come in, but at the window say hello and let staff know you “see” them.

They are the first to hear you when you are in need, their training and experience will get you the help and the responders home safely.

We are fortunate to have this staff here in Newtown that is dedicated to our community, and having the community support them during National Telecommunications Week.

Sincerely,

Maureen A. Will, CPE – Director

Newtown Emergency Communications Center