Last week — April 14-20 — was National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. It is designated as a time when citizens can thank public safety men and women who respond to emergency calls and dispatch emergency professionals and equipment during times of crisis. Americans can show gratitude to 9-1-1 call-takers, dispatchers, technicians that maintain radio and emergency phone systems, communications staff trainers, communications center personnel, and other public safety telecommunications staff across the country who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to help you during emergencies.

Many local agencies around the country will host tours and celebrations to mark the occasion.

Polk County is fortunate to have a great set of faithful servants: Dianne, James, Marty, Susan, Kyle, Tianna, Chris, Chasity, Darren, Nick, Tara, Scott, Charles, Sheridan, Blake, Anne and Kelly. These are the “Unsung Heros” that play a vital role in the safety of our county.

– Cathy McGuinn, Mill Spring