April marks a month of recognition for county government, 911 dispatchers
The month of April has been National County Government Month and Knox County has been highlighting how it achieves healthy, safe and vibrant communities. At the same time, last week, April 14 - 20, was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and Knox County likewise took note.
The latter was an especially significant recognition, given that Knox Regional Communications Center (KRCC) is still rebuilding after losing almost of its dispatchers last summer.
Currently, there are 10 full-time dispatchers working at the KRCC, including one director and two line supervisors. And, there are four open positions at the KRCC, including one supervisor and three dispatchers.
“The county is actively recruiting to fill the vacancies,” said Knox County Interim Administrator Gordon Page. “This has to be done in stages so as not to overload the training schedule.”
Page took time in April to circulate notice of appreciation for 911 dispatchers, and for all county employees.
“Emergency Dispatcher Appreciation Week is a time when those who are the ones who receive our initial calls for help are recognized for their professionalism, calm demeanor, and their compassion for those experiencing distress,” he said.
“Dispatchers are the unseen heroes of first responder agencies,” he said. “The communications personnel are your first first responders and act as the critical link between people who call 911 and the officers, paramedics, and firefighters who respond.”
Page said the: “dedicated 24/7 staff who serve 18 communities from inside the KRCC, located in Rockland are our friends and neighbors. You won’t see them during your emergency, but they will be there for you when you dial 911.”
While Knox County has been contracting with Waldo County Communications Center to handle 911 calls since late last summer, but Page said, “KRCC is poised to reacquire PSAP tasks and responsibilities on or about the first of May.”
In an April 9 letter to municipalities, Page wrote: “In the meantime, County management will continue to examine the current service model with all stakeholders, and if it is later determined that an alternative is preferable, the County will then explore available options. Because the County has not yet made such a determination, it is premature to engage in that process.
“The County acknowledges the past shortcomings that existed at the RCC. At the same time, we hope that the taxpayers, the elected and appointed municipal leaders, and all other stakeholders acknowledge the genuine efforts that the County has made to rebuild the RCC and to regain your trust and confidence in the 911 system.”
The agreement between Knox and Waldo Counties was renewed in February to run through the end of May, he said. This provides a cushion of support for a month during the transition back to full 911 capabilities.
Page reiterated the distinction between dispatchers handling 911 calls and dispatching first responders. They are two separate functions, he said.
County government
Page said the county has been using the message “Forward Together,” inspired by the signature focus of National Association of Counties, and noting the, role of county governments as intergovernmental partners that:
• Connect, building bridges to advance excellence and networks in county government;
• Inspire, driving community engagement and residents’ trust in county government; and
• Lead, spearheading local, state, and federal intergovernmental partnerships and common-sense policy solutions.
“Elected and appointed Knox County officials and employees aspire to connect and collaborate with our 19 mainland and island communities, while providing inspiration to residents to become involved through direct engagement, and to instill pride and trust and to lead in the development of partnerships and policies for the benefit of all,” said Page, in April.
“There are many layers to Knox County government and its responsibilities, and I encourage all residents to learn about how it works.”
He said: “The various departments are staffed by well trained and seasoned workers who go to work every day on our behalf. These include the corrections officers who oversee our jail population; sheriff's deputies who patrol our rural roadways; the folks who keep our airport running smoothly; the emergency management agency staff who prepare for, monitor and react to both natural and man-made disasters; and our 911 dispatchers who are the link connecting those in need with emergency first responders.
“Additionally, there are the folks who work at the courthouse handling deeds, probate, the prosecution of criminal acts and who handle other legal matters; and those in administration, finance, information technology and facility management. Each of these individuals are part of the team working for all Knox County residents and taxpayers.”
