When it comes to enforcing the law in Polk County, the Telecommunicators serve as the flash point where nearly everything begins. In service 24/7/365, and usually staffed by a group of no more than three, at times the dispatch center can be a pressure cooker. This week, the Sheriff and even the Gorvernor of Texas officially recognizes their hard work.
Head dispatcher, Scott Wright (standing) addresses his staff. Wright is also a licensed Peace Officer and doubles as a Sheriff's Deputy.
County Dispatchers Recognized, LIVINGSTON, April 15, 2011 - Sheriff Ken Hammack and his brass took time to stop by the dispatchers office to express appreciation for their hard work and efforts as the flash point, ground zero, nerve center of Polk County Law Enforcement. "Y'all are the nerve center of the Sheriff's Office" Hammack told his dispatchers, "Just about everything that happens in enforcing the law in Polk County starts right here, and you do a good job", he said. Others spoke to the group including Chief Deputy, Byron Lyons, and Chief Dispatcher, Scott Wright. The dispatchers also received a signed official proclamation from Governor Rick Perry in recognition of a job well done. Sheriff Hammack released the following statement:
The week of April 10 - 16th has been proclaimed Public Safety Telecommunications Week, the highlight, the invaluable role of our 911 police communications operators. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is the centralized hub for 911 Emergency Operations. All 911 calls placed in Polk County ring into the Polk County Sheriff's Office and are transferred out to the appropriate agencies.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office has since January of 2011 has received:
- 113,694 phone calls - 6,144 911 calls - 4,437 for service, and if the calls remain on this course, by year's end we will be around the 17,000 mark on received calls into the Polk County Sheriff's Office Communications Center.
The thirteen full and part time employees assigned to the Communications Center are the first line of assistance for the public, and are placed in highly stressful situations, for which they have dedicated themselves to saving lives and property.
Sheriff Hammack and his entire staff join in with Governor Perry in acknowledging the importance of the Polk County Sheriff's Office Communications Officers and the invaluable role they play in the protection of life and property.
Sheriff Hammack took time to show a little appreciation for the dispatchers whose job is at times a pressure cooker.
Sheriff Hammack and Chief Dispatcher, Scott Wright were proud to stand with their dispatchers for a group shot.
Afterwards the crew took time to enjoy some cake and ice cream (Oak Farms...not Blue Bell).
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