The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Communication Center honored local public safety Telecommunicators, the “first” first responders, this week in honor of National Telecommunicators Week. National Emergency Telecommunications Week was started in 1981 to put a special focus on public safety telecommunications professionals for their contributions to the safety and security of communities around the world.

To honor the Department’s Telecomunicators, the Murfreesboro Police Department held a ceremony today in the MPD Communications Center. Mayor Tommy Bragg presented a proclamation to officials with the Police Department and the Fire and Rescue Department, who also share the Communications Section. Mayor Bragg stated: “It is a tremendous honor to recognize Dispatcher Michelle Rowland and all of the Telecommunicators for the great work they do every day. This is their day; their week to be recognized.”

Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman stated: “This Communications Center answered over 39,000 9-1-1 calls in 2013, making this the busiest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in Rutherford County. Furthermore, Dispatchers answered 243,503 telephone calls, dispatching Police Officers or Firefighters to a call over 100,000 times. We are very proud of the work they do here every day.”

Deputy Fire Chief Roger Toombs commented, “It’s always nice when we can recognize the Telecommunicators during this special week. We are able to put a face with the voice that is on the other end of the radio. We absolutely cannot do our job without them.”

Dispatcher Michelle Rowland was also recognized at the ceremony for being awarded the Dispatcher of the Year Award. Rowland was chosen in part because of her team player attitude and always going the extra mile to help citizens. She will represent the MPD at the annual Telecommunicator of the Year awards breakfast hosted by the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District.