Dear Tempe Police Employees,

Recently I participated in a ‘ridealong’ with police employees from our Communications Center at the Apache police substation.  During the shift, Communications Center employees remain focused and unwavering in the face of pressure, making critical decisions that directly impact community member and officer lives.

The professionals of the City of Tempe Police Communications Center provide life-saving services vital to community members’ everyday lives.  They work quickly, efficiently and capably.  Police Communications personnel truly are our community’s first responders, daily working above and beyond the call of duty in situations of great stress and suffering to facilitate resolution of emergency situations including vehicle collisions, fires, suicidal persons, assaults, and countless other calls for assistance.

At last Thursday’s April 7 City Council Session, the Mayor formally recognized the great work of our Communications staff.  Several employees attended to accept the proclamation.  The Mayor noted that 911 Call Takers assist the caller with support and emergency instruction that save lives.  Dispatchers provide the critical connection between the emergency crews and those experiencing an emergency, insuring that the commensurate personnel and resources are dispatched to the call.  He recognized Tactical Radio Operators for providing a life-saving and critical communications function in connecting public safety agencies and personnel to one another on-scene and en route to hospitals.

Quite simply, the health and safety of Tempe residents and police officers depend on the stellar services of the Tempe Police communications professionals who serve our community 24/7.

This week is Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.  Please take the time to show your appreciation to your colleagues in the Communications Center who do such a fantastic job.

Sincerely,

Tom